The new 274-bed hospital will need to double in size soon after it opens,the state government has conceded.
Reporter Rachael Dexter reflects on the marginal election campaign waged in Melton,part of our special coverage.
Labor appears to have fended off a concerted effort by independents and the Liberals in the seat of Melton,but complicated preferences mean the result might not be known for days.
With the finish line in sight the candidates tussling for this marginal seat say they are tired but optimistic.
Driving around Melton,Gary Mitchell is able to predict the prices at every servo in town after spotting just one.
Labor is calling in big party names to help its candidate in Melton,as the powerful United Firefighters Union begins a mega offensive backing independent contender Dr Ian Birchall.
Away from the theatrics of the campaign trail,the most pressing issue for Victorians this election - the cost of living - is on stark display at lines at Melbourne food relief centres.
State political advertising in key seats is now less about the leader and more about the local candidate.
Illegal political posters,an attack-ad and pouring rain;the first day of early voting in Melton for the state election had it all.
Melton voter Juliana Byers has one key wish from this election:to get to uni in under two hours.
Leading Independent Ian Birchall will sit above the Liberal and Labor candidates on the ballot.