A $1.7 million federal grant will fund a flood protection levee for REDHS, safeguarding vital medical services and aged care facilities from future floods.
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters joined community leaders on October 22, to announce the funding.
The $3.6 million project — co-funded by state and local partners — will construct a permanent flood barrier around the healthcare hub, which had to shut its doors for close to two years following the devastating 2022 floods.
Ms Chesters said protecting the hospital had been a top priority since floodwaters caused tens of millions of dollars in damage and displaced staff, patients and aged care residents.
“It's not just the heartbreak that you've lost your hospital,” Ms Chesters said.
“The trauma after a flood was exacerbated by the time it took to recover. This project gives them more comfort that even if we did have an event, we've got a chance to get back.”
REDHS chief executive Mary Manescu welcomed the announcement as a critical turning point for the local community.
“The 2022 floods had a profound impact on our health service, our staff and our community,” Ms Manescu said.
“While our hospital has now reopened, the experience reinforced the importance of investing in infrastructure that protects the continuity of healthcare services during future emergencies.
“This project is about safeguarding a vital community asset and ensuring local people can continue to access healthcare close to home, even during significant flood events.”
Ms Manescu thanked staff, board directors, technical advisers, emergency management partners and government agencies who had advocated for the funding over several years.
“I particularly want to acknowledge our residential aged care residents and their families, who have shown remarkable patience, understanding and resilience throughout the flood recovery journey,” she said.
“REDHS is their home, and today's announcement represents an important step towards strengthening the protection of that home.”
Engineered for long-term resilience, the proposed flood levee has been developed following detailed flood modelling, technical assessment, and extensive stakeholder engagement to minimise impacts on neighbouring properties.
The levee will stand 350mm higher than the record 2022 flood level — and its foundations are designed so it can be lifted a further 400mm down the track if needed.
The design features built-in planter boxes along the northern sections, pool-style fencing, and removable barrier gates across pathways and driveways so access is never cut off.
Addressing questions about its visual impact, Ms Chesters said the structure would complement the town’s character.
“Someone asked me how people would feel about concrete, and I said, ‘This is Rochester, the home of murals’,” she said.
“It’s going to be a beautiful feature. We are creating one big canvas.”
Ms Chesters credited joint advocacy between REDHS, local council, and state representatives for helping secure the funding.
“If this application wasn’t in the mix, it wouldn’t have been considered,” she said.
“This investment shows Rochy isn’t a forgotten small town. It gives people real confidence in their future.”
Ms Manescu confirmed the project is in the final stages of its tender process and is set to move ahead once funding and delivery arrangements are locked in.
32°C