A new Cobaw Community Health Services centre, and the first stage of its surrounding bushland health and wellbeing park, are now officially open in Romsey, in Victoria's Macedon Ranges.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals' Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said people of all ages would benefit from the range of services the new centre offers.
"This project will bring health and wellbeing services closer to people living in the eastern part of the Macedon Ranges Shire, which is certainly a fantastic use of the long-vacant former Romsey Primary School," Mr McCormack said.
"This project is an example of the Australian Government's commitment to investing in our regions to provide the infrastructure needed to support active and healthy lifestyles—be it community parks, healthcare facilities or sporting and recreational infrastructure."
Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said the Victorian Government provided $733,000 toward the project.
"This investment will help increase residents' access to preventative healthcare, early intervention and treatment services," Ms Hennessy said.
"It will also alleviate some of the barriers to convenient and affordable health and wellbeing facilities this part of the shire faces in terms of transport, travel distances and other costs."
Senator for Victoria James Paterson said completion of Stage 1 of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park, means that visitors can also enjoy the centre's peaceful woodland setting.
"Building on the health centre, the surrounding park is a great initiative delivering facilities such as a therapeutic and sensory garden space, water play facilities, a community events space, public art, picnic facilities, a woodland and heritage trail, a climbing forest, ropes course and more," Senator Paterson said.
"The Australian Government is delighted to have helped deliver the first stage of the park, which is now complete and focuses on pathways, entrance points, new vegetation, and nature-based play facilities such as a basket swing and large flying fox."
Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Jennifer Anderson said Council was excited to see the transformation of the site after so many years of planning and hard work.
"This project is all about providing a welcoming space where people can meet, develop stronger connections and improve their health and wellbeing," Cr Anderson said.
"The unique park features nature-based elements which are sure to attract tourists and visitors as well as local residents. We thank the community group which has been the driving force behind the project and the Australian and Victorian Gssovernments for their financial support."
This project was jointly funded with the Australian Government investing $997,478, the Victorian Government $733,000, Macedon Ranges Shire Council $215,000 and Cobaw Community Health Services Ltd $50,000
