Voters in one of Australia's fastest growing areas are being wooed by the prospect of a new hospital ahead of the Victorian election.
Residents of Melton, about 35km west of Melbourne, have long called for a dedicated hospital and on Friday the Labor government promised them $2.3 million for a business plan if re-elected.
"Melton is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and locals deserve a 24-hour public hospital for the very best care close to home," Health Minister Jill Hennessy said, slating the possibility of a new facility at nearby Toolern Vale.
"We currently have a shortlisting process around future land we will be able to utilise for a future Melton Health Service."
But the location, size and scope of services are yet to be determined.
On the same bandwagon, Premier Daniel Andrews was in Bendigo on Friday with a promise of $60 million to move rehabilitation services into a new space at the revamped Bendigo Hospital.
"Allied health rehabilitation same-day services in neuropsychology, mental health will all be relocated in refitted, purpose-built facilities," he told reporters.
He said 200 jobs would be created by the works which would include the demolition of two towers, with the vacant land to become community space.
The Liberal-Nationals meanwhile presented their latest anti-congestion idea, announcing a $20 million trial of traffic lights that act on demand.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said outdated lights would be replaced with a "smart" version, initially on a trial basis in a bid to get traffic flowing.
"We need to get back in control of traffic congestion by investing in not only the road infrastructure but also the technology to get Victoria moving," he said.
The Victorian Greens unveiled a proposal to allocate $100 million to planning a Rowville rail link if elected on November 24.
"Governments understood how crucial this rail link was 50 years ago yet here we are decades later and nothing has been done," Victorian Greens MP Nina Springle said.
