The Victorian Government has streamlined the planning process for the $447 million teaching and research hospital in the growth corridor of Warn Ponds adjacent to Deakin University.

Included in the planning proposal is a six storey building with the first stage comprising 160 in-patient beds, nine operating theatres, a cardiac catheter laboratory, emergency department and an intensive care unit.

The second stage will comprise a further 96 beds, five operating theatres and laboratory.

Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said the proposed joint venture by Epworth Healthcare and Deakin University is estimated to create 1000 jobs during construction and 1100 ongoing jobs at the hospital teaching campus.

The federal government gave a $5 million grant to not-for-profit private hospital provider Epworth Healthcare to help fund and education facility within the clinical areas of the hospital.

According to Mr Guy, the project is an “important step” in the planning process to secure jobs and investment in one of Victoria's largest growth areas and serving the entire western region.

Mr Guy said extensive community consultation had been carried out to ensure that planning for the development was “robust and addressed concerns”.

Member for South Barwon, Andrew Katos said this project will “generate substantial benefits to Geelong and the surrounding region".

According to the Victorian Government, 8.8 hectares of land on the Marcus Oldham College at 145 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds were rezoned and granted a permit for building works.
 

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