Hospital Earmarked for Charlton

Real estate owners in regional Victoria may welcome the state government's plan to rebuild the Charlton Hospital.

The medical facility was destroyed by the January 2011 floods, with state planning minister Matthew Guy approving a new site for the hospital.

It will comprise 15 beds, with two for acute-care patients and 13 for the aged, in addition to an ambulance station, helipad, medical clinic and facilities for urgent and primary care.

Mr Guy said: "This new hospital will deliver an expanded range of health services to more than 1,400 locals and is an important support close to home for Charlton's elderly residents and their families, rather than having to travel considerable distances to alternative facilities."

Peter Walsh, the member for Swan Hill, has welcomed the move, saying that the floods had a major impact on the district, meaning that a new facility will benefit the community.

Mr Walsh added that in addition to providing health services to the area, the local economy will be boosted by the investment, with 22 ongoing jobs created as a result.

An immediate tender process will take place, with the hospital expected to be completed towards the end of 2014.