PARK MISSING IN ACTION

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has called on Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park to stop dodging the Berry community and show up to the next public meeting on David Berry Hospital later this month.

The Government is due to release a survey on the future of David Berry Hospital next week.

Despite growing concern from locals and health professionals and the local community, Minister Park has yet to visit the hospital or show a genuine interest in its future.

Mr Ward has made several attempts to secure a commitment from Minister Park to engage directly with the community about the hospital’s future.

Despite these efforts, the Minister has not accepted invitations to visit David Berry Hospital or attend public meetings where these critical issues are discussed.

“I am deeply disappointed by Minister Park’s ongoing refusal to visit David Berry Hospital and engage with people in our local community who are fighting for its future,” Mr Ward said.

“As the Health Minister and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, it is his responsibility to be present and proactive, not absent and silent.

“The community deserves transparency and accountability from their State Government, especially when it concerns the future of such an important local institution.

“It’s not too late for Minister Park to show up, listen to the community and provide assurances that he takes our concerns seriously. But time is running out, and the people of our region are growing increasingly frustrated by our poor treatment by this NSW Labor Government,” Mr Ward concluded.