The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring people living in rural and regional areas have access to the world-class care they deserve close to home, with the latest round of the flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund now open.
Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced submissions for the latest round of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) are open with the Victorian Budget 2022-23 delivering $300 million over four years in grants to upgrade vital health infrastructure.
Creating hundreds of local jobs and building on the largest health grants program in Victoria’s history, this investment will give health services and agencies the resources they need to do targeted upgrades, tailoring projects to the needs of patients, staff and local communities.
With 122 health services and agencies eligible for funding, the program will deliver a variety of shovel-ready projects across regional Victoria such as operating theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, accessible paths and ramps, additional consulting rooms, expansion projects and equipment upgrades.
This latest round will also provide seed funding for projects to undertake planning and design, to advance proposals to the next stage of readiness to be considered for successive grant funding rounds.
The RHIF – now worth $790 million – provides government funding to eligible rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so these services can continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.
It is the largest program of its type in Victoria having funded more than 480 projects since 2016, including a $9.7 million Healthy Community Access Hub in Kyneton, a $4 million Integrated Health Centre in Yarram and lifesaving medical equipment at Colac Area Health.
All eligible health services and agencies are encouraged to participate by familiarising themselves with application requirements and attending an upcoming online information webinar.
Administered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, submissions close on 22 July 2022.
Full details on the grant program guidelines or how to apply can be found by visiting:
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As stated by Minister for Health Martin Foley
“This funding will help our regional and rural hospitals and health services deliver the high-quality care Victorians deserve and ensure our dedicated doctors and nurses can continue doing what they do best – saving lives.”
“Victorians should get the care they need, close to home, no matter where they live – which is why we’re continuing to invest in health services right across regional and rural Victoria.”
