A LABOR party election promise that construction work on Tamworth’s new hospital would start in the life the current parliament appeared to be in tatters following yesterday’s release of the latest State Infrastructure Strategy.
The document, released by the NSW treasurer Michael Costa and posted on the treasury website late yesterday, makes it clear the only action planned for the Tamworth
Hospital in the next four years is just that – planning.
The next NSW election is now less than three years away.
Premier Morris Iemma promised the people of Tamworth on March 7, 2007 – just weeks out from the state election – that work on the new hospital would start “within the next term of government”.
“I think this will be one of the most significant investments our community has ever seen, as the new facility will be built to cater for the future health needs of this district for decades to come. It will also offer a state-of-the-art training facility where the doctors and nurses who will be studying at the University of New England can undertake practical experience,” independent member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said at the time.
“This announcement also offers voters in the electorate of Tamworth a clear choice as to who is best equipped to deliver the best health outcomes for the community.”
Mr Draper told The Leader after last Tuesday’s State budget he was “comfortable” with the progress of financial commitments to the hospital project and confident construction would begin before the next poll.
Mr Draper could not be reached for comment late yesterday.
He is currently travelling overseas.
Under the health section of the plan headed “the next four years” the report states:
“Planning will continue in relation to redevelopment and construction of a number of hospitals including... Wagga Wagga... Lachlan Valley... and Tamworth.”
Hospitals on which construction will begin in the next four years include Narrabri, Newcastle Mater and Royal Prince Alfred.
The report, which lists the Bingara Hospital redevelopment as a goer, carries the notation that while the Tamworth hospital has not yet been approved by the State Government it does form a part of the latest 10 year, $140 billion strategy.
There is no mention of radiotherapy for Tamworth in the infrastructure plan.
Radiotherapy services are to be established at Lismore and Orange in the next four years.
Multi-purpose health services are to be
developed at Coonamble and Manilla.
In other news police stations at Gunnedah and Tenterfield are to be refurbished in the next four years and upgrades may be carried out on stations at Moree and Walgett. Armidale’s new courthouse – while yet to be approved by the State Government – is listed on the plan.
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