4th Sep 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to improve the health of the Latrobe Valley community, with new programs in place to tackle local health issues.

The summary findings from Monash University’s Hazelwood Long Term Health Study – released today – provide a vital insight into how best to improve the health and wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley community in the wake of the Hazelwood Mine Fire in 2014.

The findings from the independent study reveal a higher instance of self-reported health related issues in the Morwell participants.

These summary findings are helping the Labor Government design and implement health services to better meet the diverse needs of the Latrobe Valley community and improve health outcomes of current and future generations.

It will also support the important work of the Long Term Health Study Ministerial Advisory Community and the Latrobe Health Assembly. A search for the Latrobe Health Advocate is currently underway.

This ensures the community will be involved every step of the way in designing and delivering health services and programs that are tailored to best meet the needs of local families in the Valley.

The Government has provided more than $80 million to support the Latrobe Valley community and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports. This includes $27 million for the Healthy and Strong Latrobe initiative to improve the health of people in Latrobe.

The Latrobe Regional Hospital will also receive over $209.5 million in 2017/18, which is $25.8 million or 14.1 per cent more than the previous year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“We’ve strengthened the independent study so we can better understand the healthcare needs of the Latrobe Valley community and take action.” “We’re getting on with designing new programs and investing in better, tailored services that will improve health and make a real difference for people living in the Latrobe Valley.”

“We’re ensuring more people in the Valley will be able to access the best possible healthcare and prevention programs they need and deserve, closer to home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We are putting families living in the Valley first and rebuilding the health of the community. Many of these new early intervention programs in the Valley are a direct response to the Hazelwood Inquiry.”

“The Labor Government is rolling out more services and innovative programs to help more locals prevent chronic diseases by embracing a healthier and more active lifestyle.”