Wagga mayor Greg Conkey has revealed ongoing discussions with NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian are yet to determine a time frame for stage three of the Wagga Wagga Health Service (WWHS) campus redevelopment.
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It comes as stages one and two of the $282.1 million hospital redevelopment near completion.
Around $170 million was pledged towards the final stage of the project by the state government however only $10.1 million was allocated in the 2017/18 budget.
Speaking with The Daily Advertiser on Wednesday, Cr Conkey said Ms Berejiklian had voiced her support for the hospital eight months ago but remained unwilling to offer a funding timeline.
“I had the opportunity to speak with the premier in February this year and she fully supported the next stage of development at that time, which I congratulated her for,” he said.
“Then on Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak with her at the ROBE opening and other events where I asked her again on when we could see more funding out here.
“The premier responded by saying funding was ‘imminent’.”
Cr Conkey said he contested the assertion of ‘imminent funding’ and asked Ms Berejiklian for further clarification but none was forthcoming.
“She merely reaffirmed that funding was imminent,” he said.
The mayor thanked the government for its significant investment already but said the development must be seen through.
“We certainly grateful for the $270m or so that’s already been spent but we need to complete the project,” Cr Conkey said
“They’ve done a terrific job so far but it’s the regional referral hospital and people are dependent on it.”
Ms Berejiklian was evasive when questioned on the subject during a visit to North Wagga Public School on Tuesday but said she looked forwards to the next stage of development.
“Daryl Maguire’s work is never done and my work here is never done,” she said.
A Murrumbidgee Local Health District spokesperson said progress was being made at the campus with a new front entry canopy to be finished in early December along with a new front entry to the Acute Services Building.
“The forecourt will be completed before Christmas and will include a new car park with additional spaces and landscaped surrounds,” the spokesperson added.
“Planning for stage 3 is well underway with enabling works for Stage 3 advancing quickly.”
Lachlan Grey
DAILY DURING OLYMPICS
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