Healthcare in Melbourne’s north is at a critical juncture.

 

With a rapidly growing population and existing health services stretched beyond capacity, urgent investment is required to meet the increasing needs of our community.

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The NCA is calling for a firm commitment from federal and state governments to deliver a new public hospital in the outer north – one that provides vital emergency care and specialist services, including obstetrics, dialysis, oncology, maternal, neonatal and paediatric care.

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The first step in making this hospital a reality is funding for land in the Cloverton precinct, an acquisition estimated to cost $25 million.

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Current state of local health services

With only two public hospitals in Melbourne’s north – Northern Hospital in Epping and Austin/Mercy in Heidelberg – planning for health services for our growing community must happen now.

The Northern Hospital has Victoria’s busiest emergency department, with ever-growing patient load. As our population continues to rise, pressure on these facilities will only intensify. Critically, the region lacks dedicated trauma support, making expanded hospital services not just important but essential.

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A population boom with limited healthcare access

Melbourne’s Northern Growth Corridor is expected to accommodate 30 per cent of the city’s future population growth, with an additional 500,000 residents by 2036. In Mitchell Shire alone, the population is projected to double every five years for the next two decades. The Cloverton precinct will expand to accommodate a population the size of Canberra. Our health services cannot keep up with current, let alone future demand.

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Compounding the issue is the limited transport infrastructure linking our residents to health services, as many residents rely heavily on public transport. Our bus services do not have adequate connections, for example there is no direct access to the Northern Hospital. And the Upfield rail line, which currently terminates at Upfield Station, does not extend into Melbourne’s booming northern suburbs.

Without key investments in rail electrification and extension, many people will remain disconnected from essential healthcare.

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Expanding allied services

The new hospital would also help address critical gaps in mental and allied health services. The lack of investment in preventative and community-based health services places additional strain on emergency departments, further highlighting the urgent need for expanded healthcare infrastructure.

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Economic and social benefits

Beyond healthcare, a new hospital would be a major economic driver for the outer north. It would attract investment in allied services, education and research, while also creating thousands of jobs during construction and operation.

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Land needed for the hospital has been reserved, but the project cannot progress without a public commitment from the Victorian Government. Additionally, land must be secured for two new train stations along the Upfield Line extension to ensure the hospital is easily accessible.

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The message from our community is clear: they need action.

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The NCA is committed to ensuring this project remains a top priority and we will continue to advocate for urgent government support.

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