The long-promised hospital for the rapidly growing northern suburbs of Perth has hit another major roadblock, with plans effectively stalled. However, the local Member of Parliament, Tom French, remains confident that his constituents in Moore are content with the current situation.
MP's Confidence Amidst Community Frustration
In a recent interview, Moore MP Tom French addressed the ongoing delay of the Yanchep hospital, a key election commitment for the area. Mr French stated that based on his interactions, the community was "happy with the situation" regarding health services. He pointed to recent upgrades at nearby facilities, such as the expanded emergency department at Joondalup Health Campus, as evidence that the government is delivering for the region.
This stance comes despite clear signals from the state government that the Yanchep hospital project is not progressing. Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has previously indicated that the business case did not support an immediate acute hospital for Yanchep. Instead, the government's focus has shifted towards building a Health and Wellness Centre in Alkimos, which is also within the Moore electorate.
The Stalled Promise and Political Backlash
The commitment to build a hospital in Yanchep was a prominent feature of the McGowan Labor government's campaign in the lead-up to the 2017 state election. The fast-growing communities in the Yanchep and Two Rocks area, which have seen thousands of new homes built, have been waiting for this critical piece of infrastructure for years.
The opposition has seized on the delay, criticising the government for breaking a major promise. Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam labelled the situation a "betrayal" of the northern suburbs community. She argued that residents were being forced to travel excessive distances for emergency care, putting pressure on other hospitals like Joondalup.
Mr French, however, defended the government's revised approach. He emphasised that the planned Alkimos centre would provide a wide range of services, potentially including urgent care, and was a more logical and immediate solution for the broader population in the northern corridor.
What's Next for Northern Suburbs Health?
The future of the Yanchep hospital now appears uncertain at best. The government's current health infrastructure strategy does not include it as a priority project. The focus remains squarely on the Alkimos Health and Wellness Centre, with planning and community consultation underway for that facility.
For residents in Yanchep, Two Rocks, and surrounding areas, the wait for a local hospital continues indefinitely. While their MP expresses confidence in the alternative plans, the original promise of a full-service hospital in Yanchep remains unfulfilled, leaving a gap in health services for one of Perth's most significant growth areas.
The situation highlights the challenges governments face in matching infrastructure delivery with rapid population growth, and the political fallout that can occur when high-profile election commitments are deprioritised.
