Three regional councils in north-east Victoria are calling for an immediate halt to the $558 million redevelopment of Albury Hospital. 

The councils - Indigo, Alpine, and Towong - believe the current plans to upgrade the hospital on its existing site will not meet the community’s long-term healthcare needs. 

They are advocating for funds to be redirected toward building a new hospital on a greenfield site, which they argue would better serve the region.

Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price criticised the funding as a “deficit”, expressing frustration that a 2021 clinical services plan was overlooked. 

Local residents have voiced concerns about the lack of space and future-proofing in the current redevelopment plan.

Towong Shire Council Mayor Andrew Whitehead has called for immediate solutions like modular units to address bed shortages.

The councils are urging state and federal governments to collaborate on a project that will meet the region's future needs. 

More details are accessible here.