Mayor's Message 1 March, 2024

The everyday challenges facing our health care professionals and the critical need for a single site Albury Wodonga Hospital were among the key topics discussed at today’s Regional Health Summit in Wodonga. 

The half-day summit, organised by Wodonga Council, provided an eye-opening insight into the challenges of our current health care system and reinforced to me why we must not back away from continuing to advocate for a new single site hospital to service our region well into the future. 

Among the keynote speakers was Dr David Clancy representing the Border Medical Association who provided candid details on the current state of our local health care system, including the ongoing risks of continuing with two hospital sites. 

He expressed his disappointment and frustration with the funding available to redevelop the Albury Base Hospital, saying it won't meet current needs, let alone the needs of a growing community. 

It was great to have a seat at the table and to hear from leading health care professionals, politicians, and advocates that it’s not too late to achieve a better health outcome for our region. 

On Tuesday night Council held its first meeting for 2024. We were joined by a full gallery, mostly made up of members and supporters of the Kiewa-Tangamabalanga Men’s Shed group. 

The group was present in the chamber to hear answers to a number of ‘Open Forum’ questions as well as debate on a petition that was lodged, asking Council to renew and extend the lease agreement to remain on the site of the soon to be developed Kiewa Community Park. 

We’re aware that the outcome of Tuesday night was not what members were hoping for, but Council must weigh up the needs of all community members when making a decision, and on this occasion, it remains committed to delivering what the community has desired for many years, and that’s an open community space with shade and picnic facilities and direct access to the Kiewa river. 

Also this week, we learned of staff losses at Bilson’s Beechworth and the closure of the Empire Hotel also in Beechworth. 

We are always very sad to hear of job losses and business closures and this week’s news will no doubt reverberate throughout the Shire and our thoughts are with all affected employees and the business owners who would not have made these decisions lightly.