The $21 million Wagga Wagga Medical School has been given the green light to start works with development approval granted.
Federal Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said it was a red-letter day for regional and rural healthcare.
“The very first thing I did when I became Deputy Prime Minister was to establish the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, which comprises schools in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network is about delivering health outcomes for regional and rural people.
“I am delighted this significant project is forging ahead for it will not only benefit the city of Wagga Wagga, but also the surrounding regional and rural areas.”
Mr McCormack said that we know if students train in the regions they are more likely to stay and practise in the regions, they are likely to fall in love with the wonderful lifestyle and people we have in regional and rural Australia.
“This is why soon after I became the Member for Riverina, I helped established a committee comprised of local doctors, community leaders and specialists to work towards this moment and am excited we will see work start shortly at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital site.” Mr McCormack said.
“We are delivering a better health system for regional and rural Australians by directly investing in the people and the local communities and the University of New South Wales’s Biomedical Sciences Centre in Wagga Wagga will play a vital role in delivering better health outcomes for our local communities.
“Students have already started studying for their medical degree in Wagga Wagga – they will be the faces of our regional and rural medical community tomorrow.”
