A DENILIQUIN Liberal Party member thinks the NSW Coalition government has mistakenly given $25 million funding to Finley hospital.
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Shirlee Burge, who is also set to be elected to Edward River Council based on votes in Saturday's election, is gobsmacked Finley has received such largesse while Deniliquin hospital is rundown.
The funding was announced by Premier Dominic Perrottet, Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Health Minister Brad Hazzard as part of a $500 million package for rural health services.
However, the media release did not specify what Finley hospital's money would be spent on.
"I don't think the department had much to do with it."
When The Border Mail asked Mr Hazzard's office whether funding was requested by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District or Berrigan Shire, the inquiry was referred to the former organisation.
MLHD did not answer that question and stated Finley residents would now be consulted on redevelopment priorities for their hospital before a decision is made on the use of the $25 million.
Mrs Burge said: "If they're now going back to the community then they don't know what they were given that money for, plain and simple."
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She added she did not begrudge Finley receiving the outlay, but noted Deniliquin had four times the population and a greater need.
The Deniliquin Liberal Party branch vice president said medicos in her hometown were "furious" at the funding deal.
In an email sent to MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford, Mrs Burge threatened to complain to ICAC about the funding process.
"Please explain this atrocity to me and if it was not you who endorsed this then I want the name of the bungling politician who instigated it so they can tell ICAC why," she wrote.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton was perplexed by the funding, saying she had lobbied Mr Hazzard for Denilquin hospital spending and an upgrade to Tocumwal ambulance station but not Finley hospital.
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