Wooldridge Demands Budget Funding for Two Major FacilitiesWednesday, April 16, 2008 The Member for Doncaster, Mary Wooldridge has called on the Government deliver election promises to fund two major facilities, the redevelopment of Box Hill Hospital and the upgrade of Doncaster Secondary College. Box Hill Hospital, which opened in 1956, had its last major upgrade ten years ago. Redevelopment plans were drawn up in 2002 but were scrapped by the Bracks Labor Government after that year’s election. In the 2006 budget the government funded preliminary redevelopment works and Labor promised in its eastern suburbs election policy that it would continue the redevelopment until a new facility was completed. “Despite that however, there was no funding for the project in last year’s budget. Now time is running out as the existing hospital is estimated to have a remaining life of only 10 years and major design work will be necessary if the project is not funded in this year’s budget”, Ms Wooldridge said. The full project is currently costed at $1.045 million, or $850 million for stage 1. However, just to bring existing facilities up to standard so that the hospital can stay open is estimated to cost over $750 million. Ms Wooldridge raised the funding issue in Parliament saying, “The bandaid solution is nearly as expensive as the full redevelopment cost. “ “These are compelling numbers which say that the full redevelopment must be funded now. If it is not funded, it will have an impact on thousands of people in Manningham, including many ageing residents with increasing needs, and young families. Ms Wooldridge also called on the Government to deliver on its 2006 election promise and fund the upgrade of Doncaster Secondary College. The Government has said it is a 'matter of priority' but has so far failed to commit the promised funds. Doncaster Secondary College is an excellent school with strong leadership and committed teachers. “The Government must include funds for the upgrade of this school in this year's budget so that it can continue to deliver the high-quality education to Doncaster students in appropriate and up-to-date facilities. “The Government’s ongoing failure to provide the funds it has promised is depriving Doncaster residents and students access to modern and up-to-date facilities in the vital areas of health and education,” she said.
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