The northern Melbourne suburb of Mernda, in my electorate, has experienced very rapid recent population growth as part of a projected 114% increase in its resident numbers between 2013 and 2038.

Accordingly, there is a widening gap between resident numbers and local health and human services.  Typically, people are forced to travel long distances to access needs such as disability support; housing, mental health, youth, ageing, CALD and refugee services; and early intervention and family violence programs.

A very significant potential solution in this context is the City of Whittlesea’s proposal for a Mernda Health and Wellbeing Hub.  I therefore ask if the Minister would be prepared to join with me in meeting proponents of the Hub to discuss the potential funding and development of a business case for it?