Community Updated on Future of Tailem Bend GP Services

More than 100 residents filled the Tailem Bend Town Hall on Tuesday night to hear the latest update on the future of local GP services, following confirmation that the Murraylands Medical Centre – the town's only general practice – will close on 14 October 2026.

The community meeting brought together representatives from Coorong District Council, the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) and the Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council (HAC) to provide residents with the most current information available and outline the work being undertaken to secure ongoing healthcare services for the community.

Speaking at the meeting were the Council’s Acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch, RMCLHN Chief Executive Officer Wayne Champion PSM and Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council Presiding Member Julie Barrie.

The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear directly from those involved in ongoing discussions and advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring continuity of primary healthcare services in Tailem Bend.

While the spokespersons had hoped to be able to confirm a replacement provider on the night, no final outcome was available at the time of the meeting.

Acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch acknowledged the disappointment felt by many residents but reinforced that significant work continues behind the scenes.

“We understand the level of concern within our community and share the community's desire to secure a long-term solution as quickly as possible,” says Cr. Pietzsch.

“While we were unable to provide definitive news on Tuesday evening, Council, RMCLHN and our healthcare partners remain committed to finding a pathway forward and ensuring residents continue to have access to the healthcare services they need.”

Residents were reassured that the Tailem Bend District Hospital, including its emergency department and aged care services, will continue to operate as normal and are not affected by the closure of the Murraylands Medical Centre. Existing telehealth services and Bridge Clinic arrangements will continue to support healthcare delivery in the district.

RMCLHN Chief Executive Officer Wayne Champion PSM confirmed that extensive efforts have been underway to identify and engage potential providers.

“The Local Health Network has approached several nearby medical providers to explore opportunities for continued GP services in Tailem Bend,” says Mr Champion.

“While many of those discussions have not progressed, one interested provider is actively considering the opportunity, with a decision expected following a board meeting this week.”

At the community meeting residents were also assured that hospital, emergency department and aged care medical coverage will continue regardless of the GP clinic closure through existing RMCLHN and telehealth arrangements.

The Council and RMCLHN have committed to continuing to work urgently on a solution over the coming weeks.

If no pathway for continuity of care is identified by mid-October, the Council and RMCLHN will escalate their advocacy efforts. The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, has also been apprised of the situation and is expected to visit the district, although a date has not yet been confirmed.

Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council Presiding Member Julie Barrie said the Health Advisory Council would continue to advocate strongly for local healthcare outcomes and keep the community informed as developments occur.

All parties have reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcome for Tailem Bend residents and expressed optimism that positive news may be available in the coming weeks.

Residents who were unable to attend the meeting or wish to view it again, can watch a recording of the meeting on the Coorong District Council’s YouTube channel.

The Council will continue to provide updates to the community as further information becomes available.

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Contact:

Joel Eckermann | Acting Chief Executive Officer

COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au