The battle lines have been drawn. With the NSW election just four weeks away, both the Nationals and Labor have announced their funding commitments for the future of Manning Hospital.
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Flanked by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Myall Lakes and Nationals candidate for the election Stephen Bromhead announced the State Government has allocated $100 million for the second stage of the hospital redevelopment.
This stage would include an expansion of hospital and inpatient accommodation, a revamp and refurbishment of operating theatres, a new critical care unit and recovery beds.
"These are things this hospital needs,” Mr Bromhead said.
"We are going to put in here the things that the medical staff, nurses and others have spoken about and need in this hospital.”
"The number one issue in the Manning Valley is making sure that we've got a hospital of the future.”
The final works of the first stage of the redevelopment are expected to start in May. This will include the expansion of Medical Imaging department, new CT, ultrasound and fluoroscopy equipment and improvements to patient waiting areas.
Mr Bromhead said a third stage of upgrades is slated for the near future. "This is not the end of the redevelopment,” Mr Bromhead said.
Country Labor candidate for Myall Lakes Dr David Keegan claimed the progression of the hospital under the Nationals has been long overdue and with less than five weeks until the State election, “the Nationals are scrambling.”
“Put simply, the Nationals cannot fatten a pig on market day. They have neglected health for eight years and now want the community to believe they are concerned with local hospitals,” Dr Keegan said.
At Country Labor's official election launch at Nabiac last Sunday, the party announced they would match the figure after their commitment of $60 million earlier this month.
I am proud to be putting both local hospitals and the local football club ahead of Sydney stadiums.
- Dr David Keegan, Country Labor candidate for Myall Lakes
Dr Keegan said the party’s priorities for the hospital includes expanding emergency department facilities, new operating theatres and improved cardiac services.
“I have spent my life working to improve health care across Myall Lakes, and I am thrilled to be able to make these commitments to our community,” Dr Keegan said.
“Our campaigning has shaken the Nationals out of eight years of neglect.”
Mr Bromhead claimed Labor needed inspiration for the funding allocation.
“Labor have talked a big game on health, but their back-flip on their Manning Hospital announcement only shows their plan to under-invest in our local hospital,” Mr Bromhead said.
“After eight years Labor have learnt nothing about what is needed to support regional NSW and are simply relying on the Nationals to set the agenda for them to match.”
Meanwhile, planning for a public hospital in the Great Lakes has be reignited. Both parties have committed to start the planning phase for the hospital post election.
On the back of a public petition in support of the move, Mr Bromhead said there is a need for a new hospital.
"The number one issue in the Manning and in the Great Lakes is health and the number one issue in the Great Lakes is a public hospital,” Mr Bromhead said.
Dr Keegan identified the growing and ageing population of the Great Lakes and the multitude of visitors each year as a catalyst for a new hospital.
The Labor Party also announced at the campaign launch they would match funding to complete the upgrade of facilities at Aub Ferris Oval in Nabiac and a clubhouse for local side Wallamba FC if elected.
“I am proud to be putting both local hospitals and the local football club ahead of Sydney stadiums,” Dr Keegan said.
We are going to put in here the things that the medical staff, nurses and others have spoken about and need in this hospital
- Stephen Bromhead, Member for Myall Lakes
Other key election points locally and for the State included a boost to manufacturing jobs in the Manning, $900 million for regional roads, establishing a dairy industry ‘watchdog’, a regional jobs package and free TAFE training in area where there are skill shortages.
The NSW State election will take place on Saturday, March 23. Other candidates for the Myall Lakes seat are independent Paul Sandilands and The Greens’ Eleanor Spence.
The early voting period opens on March 11 and closes on March 22.
To find your nearest polling booth on election day, visit the NSW Electoral Commission’s dedicated election website and click the 2019 NSW State election voting centre locations tab.
There you will find an option for Myall Lakes.