Dilapidated buildings at a leading youth mental health research centre will be rebuilt as part of a $110 million revamp if Labor win the state election.
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Labor will contribute $60 million towards a proposed redevelopment of Orygen Youth Health in Parkville, with the University of Melbourne and philanthropic organisations funding the rest of the project.
Opposition leader Daniel Andrews said the youth mental health research centre was "on the brink of falling down" with rotting roofs, rising damp, peeling paint and crumbling walls.
He said it was vital researchers at the centre had the best facilities so they could help young people get the care they needed. He said money for the project would flow in Labor's first budget.
Orygen's executive director, Professor Patrick McGorry, recently had to evacuate his ageing office at the site due to a termite infestation. The former Australian of the Year, who applauded Labor's commitment, said international visitors were shocked when they saw the state of the buildings. "They're really more 19th century than 21st century and we constantly get flooded every time it rains."
The site helps 5000 young people every year.
"Investment in mental health for young people is not a cost, it's an investment," he said.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the Napthine government had invested $1.26 billion in mental health services this year, an extra $644 million since coming into government.
"Labor's promise for a shiny new building for Pat McGorry – doesn't fund any new research or any new services and in fact falls short of the $110 million needed for the full re-build."