Edward River Council has voted to dissolve the current lease arrangement for the Deniliquin Medical Centre with Ochre Health Pty Ltd ahead of its scheduled expiry in October 2027.
In a statement, the Council said that for a significant period of time, the service levels delivered from the Deniliquin Medical Centre have not met the requirements set out in the relevant legal agreement. These requirements relate to the delivery of healthcare services from the facility, including practitioner availability, service levels and commitments intended to support reliable access to primary healthcare for the Edward River community.
Since late 2025, Council has been engaged with Ochre Health in discussions aimed at addressing these issues and improving service delivery.
“Throughout these discussions, Council acknowledged the significant workforce recruitment challenges facing rural and regional healthcare providers across Australia and explored a range of options aimed at strengthening service delivery and supporting improved healthcare outcomes for the community,” the Council stated.
Council says the parties have been unable to reach a long-term solution that provides confidence the facility will be fully utilised to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.
Ochre Health first entered into a lease arrangement with Council for the Deniliquin Medical Centre in 2012. The lease includes associated Deed obligations designed to support the delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable primary healthcare services, including maintaining agreed service levels and supporting the long-term provision of medical services in Deniliquin.
Chief Executive Officer, Jack Bond said Council’s focus is on supporting continuity of healthcare services while future arrangements were explored.
“Council and Ochre Health have engaged in constructive discussions about the challenges since late 2025 and have reached a mutually agreed outcome, including the early termination of the current lease arrangement for the Deniliquin Medical Centre,” Mr Bond said.
“Importantly, Ochre Health has confirmed it is ready to support this process as constructively as possible and is willing to negotiate an extended notice period to help ensure continuity of services while future arrangements are considered.
“In an effort to minimise impacts on existing patients, Ochre Health has agreed to assist with the transfer of relevant medical records to any future operator of the Deniliquin Medical Centre, subject to all necessary legal and privacy requirements.
“Council is currently holding discussions with other medical service providers regarding potential future arrangements for the facility. While those discussions are ongoing, no decisions have been made and our focus remains firmly on achieving the best outcome for the community.”
Mr Bond said Council will encourage discussions around potential opportunities for locally based staff as future arrangements are explored.
Ochre CEO, Patrick Dwyer said; “While we are disappointed that Council has chosen to terminate our lease ahead of its scheduled expiry, we respect its decision and remain committed to supporting the Deniliquin community throughout the transition.”
“Our priority is to minimise disruption for patients and work collaboratively to support continuity of healthcare services for the community.
“We would also like to sincerely thank our doctors, nurses, practice manager and team for their dedication and commitment to caring for the Deniliquin community over many years. Their contribution has been outstanding and we are incredibly proud of the care they have provided,” said Mr Dwyer.
Mayor, Ashley Hall said Council’s responsibility is to ensure access to healthcare services remained a priority for the community both now and into the future.
“Access to healthcare is one of the most important issues for our community, and Council remains committed to securing the best possible outcome for local residents,” Mayor Hall said.
“Council recognises the recruitment and retention challenges facing general practice across Australia, particularly in regional communities. However, we also have a responsibility to ensure the community continues to receive the level of healthcare access and service provision that was envisaged when the Deniliquin Medical Centre was first established.
“Our priority is to ensure doctor numbers across Deniliquin are maintained and, wherever possible, increased, while providing the safe, accessible and sustainable healthcare services our community deserves.
“The Deniliquin Medical Centre was established as a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our community. Council is committed to ensuring the facility is utilised to its fullest potential, supporting increased access to doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare services wherever possible.
“We appreciate Ochre Health’s willingness to work collaboratively throughout this process and acknowledge its contribution to healthcare services in Deniliquin over many years,” she said.
The Council says it is progressing with a formal process to find and appoint a new GP provider.
