Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
More Testing Facilities Needed in LatrobeEnhanced testing capacities in the Latrobe Valley urged. By Portal Admin - 17th August 2020 - Back to News As Regional Victoria is about to enter Stage 3 Coronavirus restrictions, Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon the State Government to urgently enhance testing capacities in the Latrobe Valley.
"I have been contacted by so many people who are experiencing significant delays or indeed an inability to receive a vital Coronavirus test in a reasonable timeframe" Mr Northe began.
"There has been a number of experiences conveyed to me that leave me very concerned including complications to even book a test, then days of delays to get tested and further delays in getting results and this is completely unacceptable if we are fair dinkum in getting on top of this virus", Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said, "People are concerned and people are anxious about this situation and even more so as the number of active cases increase in our community, it is reasonable to expect that an escalation in testing demand occurs".
"The strong message from the Premier is that members of the community who are unwell or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are directed to get tested, go home immediately and wait for their results and whilst people are generally trying to heed that advice - you must have prompt access to be tested and that is not currently occurring in our community" Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe confirmed today that his Electorate Office is receiving multiple calls per day where community members seek advice on the unavailability of appointments to receive a test, or to report that their results are taking exceptionally long time to be returned. As confirmed active cases in the community increase, these calls are becoming more frequent and more concerning as the days go by.
"I have been raising these same concerns regularly to the Government and the Minister for Health for a number of weeks now and whilst there was a suggestion that the Latrobe Valley would have its testing regime increased this simply has not happened which is disappointing" Mr Northe said.
"Delays to testing not only potentially puts more local people at risk of contracting this virus it is impacting employers, employees, individuals, families and people’s mental health and wellbeing. I appreciate that resourcing is difficult at the moment but the reality is more has to be done in a quicker timeframe and to provide testing for people who need to be tested as the Premier continually states" Mr Northe said.
"Drive through testing units have been deployed across the State and in other regional areas, so it makes sense to offer that service to areas where COVID-19 cases are increasing and that includes the Latrobe Valley. At one point drive through testing was available in our community but that has now been withdrawn and frankly testing opportunities are limited which is extremely problematic" Mr Northe said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
|
|
