Shire site in health plans

Hamish Heard
Torquay is set for a new medical centre after Surf Coast Shire moves to new offices, according to Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield.
The new medical facility would expand health services in the town after the existing community health centre on Surf Coast Highway consolidated at the Grossman’s Road site, Mr Crutchfield said.
The shire has appointed a buyer’s advocate and is in discussions with landowners on the outskirts of Torquay about acquiring land for a new civic precinct.
Last year the Independent revealed the shire could move to Torquay’s entry as part of a “Gateway” project including Surfworld and a new tourist information centre.
“(Shire director of services) Dennis Barker confirmed to me that preliminary discussions have been occurring between council and Barwon Health about the sale of land where the shire offices are,” Mr Crutchfield said.
The medical centre would only take up a “small proportion” of the shire’s land in Grossman’s Road, he said.
Mr Crutchfield also revealed Department of Education officials were negotiating with the shire to secure the remainder of the site to house a “potential” expansion of Labor’s proposed prep-to-year-nine school to include students up to year 12.
“It’s my understanding that Barwon Health’s potential future use of the site would not impact on possible use of the site for educational purposes.”
Neighbouring housing meant the existing health centre had no scope for expansion, Mr Crutchfield said.
“There is an obvious synergy in placing health services alongside the school community so it becomes a significant health, education and childcare hub.”
However, Liberal candidate for South Barwon Michael King said Barwon Health’s bid for the site gazumped Labor’s plans to extend the primary school.
“In my view, you could never have a prep-to-year-12 school on that site even if they acquired all of the council land,” Mr King said.
“I doubt there’s even enough space for the P-9.”
Mr King said the shire’s negotiations with both Barwon Health and Department of Education proved a lack of co-operation between State Government bureaucracies.
“The simple fact is Torquay’s population will likely triple within 20 years and Labor still doesn’t think it can justify a stand-alone secondary school in the town,” he said.