Kiama Council resolution concerning the new Shellharbour Hospital

I note a resolution from Kiama Municipal Council concerning Shellharbour Hospital.

I was proud to secure more than $700 million to construct a new hospital that will service the needs of our community long into the future.

I have met with NSW Health officials on environmental concerns raised by the Minnamurra Progress Association. I take these concerns seriously.

Based on these concerns, I made arrangements for NSW Health officials to meet with the Minnamurra Progress Association directly. This occurred earlier this year.

Next year, the Environmental Impact Statement for the new Shellharbour Hospital project will be prepared and this document will be released for public comment and feedback. Council is welcome to make a submission.

I am disappointed that Kiama Councillors responsible for this motion haven’t sought a meeting with me to discuss their concerns.

I’m also disappointed that Kiama Councillors responsible for this motion didn’t join with me and my colleague the Member for Shellharbour in raising our joint concerns around the lack of a birthing unit and helicopter landing pad at the new Shellharbour Hospital given that environmental issues will be canvassed in accordance with environmental planning law, something that Councillors should be all too familiar with.