By JESSE GRAHAM
BELGRAVE’S new multi-purpose health hub project took a step forward last week with business plans endorsed and lobbying for funds to begin.
The hub, which will house Inspiro’s health services, was discussed at the Yarra Ranges Council’s 26 August meeting and received unanimous support from councillors.
Victoria Police Crime Prevention Officer and Inspiro board member Linda Hancock spoke at the meeting and said that, when completed, the hub could draw new services to the town.
Ms Hancock gave the example of Belgrave recently missing out on a new Headspace office and said the hub would be attractive for health service providers.
Quoting the council officer’s report on the new hub, councillor Samantha Dunn said existing buildings in Belgrave – which includes the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Services (DRERS) and Inspiro – were not fit for their purposes.
“At the moment, we see emergency relief services provided out of sub-standard structures,” she said.
“We could do so much more, and we could do so much better.”
The report on the hub said that, when community consultation was run last year, an “overwhelming” amount of the 1085 respondents supported the development of the hub.
The hub will cost an estimated $8.7 million to construct and furnish and is believed it will operate at a deficit of about $244,290, increasing by CPI, for seven years.
Inspiro and the council will be covering any operating deficits on a 50/50 basis, according to the council report.
Before the project goes ahead, however, the council will be lobbying the state and federal governments for funding contributions.
Yarra Ranges Council Director of Social and Economic Development Ali Wastie said the council had promising conversations with government representatives about funding.
Councillors unanimously endorsed moving the project from the Future Community Projects Program to the 2014/2015 Capital Expenditure Budget.
Mayor Fiona McAllister said the endorsement formalised the council’s commitment to the project, if it receives funding.
“It goes on our long-term plan, but there’re still steps and it goes back to council on several occasions,” she said.
