Health Minister David Davis said the centre would bring multiple health services together on one site.

“A one-stop-shop for primary and community health care in a brand new centre will ensure services closer to home and enhance the delivery of health care for those living in Ararat,” he said.

East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush said the centre would combine Ararat Rural City Council services, East Grampians Health Service and Grampians Community Health.

“It’s a great result and we are pleased with the commitment from the government,” he said.

Mr Bush said there was a need for a centralised health centre.

“Services are spread across town and if they were all together it would reduce duplication and provide a better health service,” he said.

“We need to work together and support each other.”

Mr Bush said stage one of the projects would see Ararat Rural City Council services shifting onto the East Grampians Health Service site.

Liberal candidate for Ripon and Ararat Hospital Board president Louise Staley said having health services on one site would mean an integrated approach to patient care.

“Ararat health professionals will work together to meet patient needs,” she said.

“I am delighted a re-elected Napthine Government would build a new, much-needed integrated community health centre in Ararat. 

“The community has raised the need for an integrated community health service with me and I’m pleased we will deliver this project for Ararat.

“This project will make it much easier for people to access all the services they need, when they need them.”

Services offered at the new centre would include counselling, dental, health promotion, district nursing, maternal and child health, mental health, physiotherapy and youth services.

Nationals candidate for Ripon Scott Turner said a new centre would deliver real health benefits to Ararat and surrounding communities. 

Mr Davis said the State Government was committed to better health in Ararat, as seen through the community’s participation in Healthy Together Victoria.

“The State Government has been working with the Ararat community to tackle preventable diseases, obesity, chronic illness and promoting healthier lifestyles,” he said.

“We have worked with schools, early childhood services, workplaces and communities to tackle the underlying causes of chronic diseases and address issues such as smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse and physical inactivity.”