Council
30 May, 2025
Britnell calls for explanation
THE Allan Labor Government has announced an additional $11.9 million for the redevelopment of Warrnambool Base Hospital, but according to Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell, it remains unclear what the funding will deliver.
Announced in 2020 at a cost of $384.2 million, the project is facing a cost blowout of up to $100 million according to Ms Britnell.
“The cost blowout comes despite the cutting of some vital upgrades from the scope of the original project,” Ms Britnell said.
“Upgrades cut from the project include pathology, biomedicine, medical records facilities, a morgue, kitchens and car parking spaces.
“The Minister for Health is yet to explain whether the additional funding announced in the recent State Budget will restore any of the cut upgrades or simply go toward further cost escalations.
“The additional funding for the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment appears to be a cruel hoax on the community.”
Ms Britnell called on the Minister to explain what the additional funding would deliver and whether the upgrades cut from the original project would be restored - or whether this was simply more money spent to cover yet another cost blowout.
“Since coming to office, Labor’s major projects have blown out by more than $40 billion, which is money that could have been spent to improve services, lower state taxes, and pay off debt,” Ms Britnell said.
“Communities from Warrnambool and surrounding areas should not have to pay the price with cuts to hospital upgrades because of massive cost blowouts on Labor’s projects.”
