MEMBER for Tamworth Peter Draper is to seek a meeting with Premier Nathan Rees to discuss the Tamworth Hospital development after State Parliament resumes next Tuesday.

Mr Draper, who has accused The Northern Daily Leader of running an “overtly politically motivated” and “ongoing” campaign to destabilise the hospital project, has pledged to continue his campaign to keep the Premier “to his word” on the promised 2011 commencement date for the project.

The independent MP wrote to The Leader yesterday to contest allegations he had failed to respond to requests for comment on the hospital issue by the paper.

“Far from being silent, I made two detailed responses to local media outlets on this issue last week,” he said.

The Leader sought comment from Mr Draper on reports State Government documents had indicated that contrary to promises made by both Mr Rees and his predecessor, Morris Iemma, that work was now unlikely to begin before 2015 or 2016.

Comment was also sought on a massive – almost 300 per cent – blowout in the estimated cost of the new hospital.

When it was first announced by Mr Iemma in March 2007 the estimated cost was $130 million.

Figures obtained by Tamworth The Nationals MLC Trevor Khan earlier this month under Freedom of Information legislation quoted cost estimates ranging from $270 million to $330 million.

Mr Draper was also asked to comment on what effect the failure of the NSW Government to obtain Federal funds for the project would have.

Until yesterday’s letter – which is published in full on page eight today – no responses were received from Mr Draper or his office.

No press releases on the subject were posted on his website either.

In his letter Mr Draper claimed to have achieved a major victory on the hospital in the past.

“When I was elected in 2003, the Tamworth hospital redevelopment was scheduled to commence planning in 2021, with construction to start in 2025,” he said.

The Leader has, as yet, been unable to confirm this claim independently.

It is believed preliminary planning work may have been under way as early as 2000 – well ahead of 2021.