Mr Tilley submitted the Corowa, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah Health Action Group’s petition last Tuesday and called on Victorian Health Minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, to listen to the voices of locals.
The petition highlighted that, without appropriate investment, the region would continue to suffer from an inadequate hospital for a growing 300,000+ population, overcrowded emergency departments, longer wait times, poorer health outcomes, added pressure on local services, and difficulty attracting doctors and healthcare professionals.
Mr Tilley said the petition was a cry for help and action.
“The Minister was in the chamber when the petition was tabled and I made the point to her that this is the response from people whose lives are being affected,” he said.
“They see the health crisis, the massive public surgery waiting lists and the district ambulances being dragged into Albury Wodonga, as not only impacting their lives but the difference between life and death.
“They know their ambulance response times are the worst in the state.
“They know that the nearest Victorian ambulance in Chiltern was dragged into Albury–Wodonga 462 times last year alone.
“That’s more than once a day when Rutherglen and Wahgunyah were left without that ambulance in an emergency.”
The Action Group has prepared similar petitions which have been handed to the NSW and Commonwealth parliaments.
Action Group spokesman, John Crothers said Mr Tilley’s support was a critical step in giving voice to the real and growing concerns of people across the region.
More than 645 residents from Rutherglen and Wahgunyah signed this petition because they’ve experienced first-hand the strain our health system is under, and they want to see meaningful investment, not more delays,” Mr Crothers said.
“This is a cross-border issue that demands a cross-border solution; our region may sit on state lines, but our health challenges don’t.
“It’s time for state and federal governments to come together, listen to local communities, and act decisively to deliver a properly funded Albury Wodonga Hospital and the immediate upgrades needed at smaller hospitals like Corowa.
“We’ll continue to advocate until we see the healthcare our region deserves, equitable, accessible, and future-ready.”
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