Published on Monday, 12 October 2026 at 4:30:00 PM
The following message is from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy
Community Update: Donnybrook Medical Centre Site
I understand there has been considerable discussion in our community regarding the future of the Donnybrook Medical Centre site and I would like to provide some clarification on Council's position.
Firstly, Council recognises and values the importance of GP services in our community. Access to quality healthcare is vitally important to residents and Council understands the strong desire to ensure these services continue to be available locally.
Recent public commentary has suggested that the Shire is preventing the Donnybrook Medical Centre from expanding its services. This is incorrect. The current lease arrangements do not prevent the tenant from expanding and, importantly, do not require increased lease costs should expansion occur. Decisions regarding business operations, service delivery and future investment remain matters for the medical practice itself.
It is also important to understand that the Shire owns the medical centre building, but not the land on which it sits. For the medical practice to purchase the site, the Shire would first need to purchase the land before considering any future sale.
This is not a simple property transaction. The site forms part of a broader medical precinct that includes the Donnybrook Hospital, Hall & Prior aged care facility, St John Ambulance and other health service providers. Preserving the entire Medical Precinct provides important strategic flexibility for the future of healthcare services in Donnybrook. Potential future expansion needs of all stakeholders within the precinct, including the hospital and aged care services, must be carefully considered before decisions are made that could impact the long-term planning of this important Medical Precinct.
I want to reassure the community that Council has not made any decision to remove medical services from the site, nor has it made any decision regarding the long-term future of the property. Council’s responsibility is to take a considered and long-term view, balancing the needs of today's community with the healthcare needs of future generations.
Council remains committed to working constructively with all stakeholders, including the Donnybrook Medical Centre, and ensuring any future decisions are based on sound planning, good governance and the best interests of our community.
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