The push for a helipad adjacent to the hospital has been a long-term aim for the community, with the local hospital auxiliary spearheading a fundraising effort that has raised more than $80,000 for the project.

Currently rescue helicopters have to land at Wilson Park some distance from the hospital, requiring an ambulance for the transfer of patients.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has previously accused the local health service of “putting barriers in the way” of the project, but announced on Monday he had secured a commitment from chief executive officer Michael Di Rienzo that Hunter New England Health would complete the design plans for the helipad if the community found another $20,000.

“Hunter New England Health says it won’t fund the cost of completing the detailed design plans for the helipad, so I’m going to find the money somewhere else to get it done,” Mr Marshall said.

“I won’t have the community using a single dollar of the more than $80,000 raised so far to do design plans – that money should rightly be put towards constructing the helipad.

“I still cannot believe the obstinateness of the health district in not supporting a project which is a high priority for the community.

“The community will fund the construction of helipad – we just want the plans – I don’t think it’s too much to ask.”

Mr Marshall said he had spent last week “working the corridors” of Macquarie St lobbying ministers for the $20,000 and would continue on that path when parliament resumes next week.

“I received some very good hearings in my meetings but will continue to push ahead until I have the funds,” he said.