Bendigo’s law and health sectors are set to benefit from Labor’s success at the state election.
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In early November, Labor pledged $152 million for Bendigo’s law courts to be relocated to the corner of Mundy and Hargreaves streets.
The new facility will include eight courtrooms including a Special Family Violence Court along with two hearing rooms and two mediation suites.
ARC Justice executive officer Hayley Mansfield said the development was something they had been advocating for over a number of years.
“We are really excited that Labor pledged this and that it can now go ahead,” she said.
“It will have access to all jurisdictions, which is important for regional Victoria in that clients won’t have to travel to a special family law court.
“Labor has had a strong focus on supporting families experiencing family violence and it’s good to know that it will continue.”
Ms Mansfield said the law courts development will also see an improvement in safety for clients.
“(Safety concerns) have been a huge issue with the current facilities,” she said.
“Solicitors working with some clients who experienced family violence and perpetrator is nearby. They enter through the same entrance, there’s no privacy, it’s intimating and not a fit environment.
“From the redevelopment in Shepparton, we have seen how much safer clients are.”
Construction on the law courts development will start in 2019 and completion is due in 2022.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the project was particularly important as it included a new family court.
"We already said we will start building the new courthouse next year. Clearly it's a very big and important priority," Ms Edwards said.
"I know that is something that is desperately needed in our region.”
The $152 million law courts pledge followed an October pledge of $60 million a new day rehabilitation centre to replace the two cream towers on the Anne Caudle Centre.
Bendigo Community Health Services acting chief executive Peter Richardson said the rehabilitation centre would be a welcome addition to the city’s health services.
“The more services we can provide the better the chance people have of staying as healthy as possible,” he said.
Mr Richardson said he hopes the state government keeps community health in the front of its mind when planning the new term.
“We were part of a Victorian Healthcare Association campaign #standwithcommunityhealth in the lead up to the election which was designed to remind all parties of the important role community health plays in the community,” he said.
“It's vital we continue to review and build on services at government level, particularly attracting health professionals to regional areas which continues to be an area of concern.”
A Bendigo Health spokesperson said the rehabilitation centre would improve patient experiences.
“Bendigo Health is excited about the day rehabilitation centre being developed on the old hospital site for the community,” the spokesperson said.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said all the commitments made ahead of the election were important.
“Every single one of the commitments we made to Bendigo, we will deliver,” she said.
“You can look at every single one of the commitment we made in 2014, we've delivered.”
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