Almost a year ago to the day, in the lead-up to the 2019 state election, I stood alongside the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and pledged up to $30 million for the development of an additional 350 car parking spaces at the facility.
It was one of the main announcements of my campaign to be elected to NSW Parliament and one that was made after I went about gathering signatures from community members on a petition to show the government that there was a need for more parking.
Last week, the Opposition spokesperson for Health put out a release outlining concerns that the project won’t proceed.
A couple of days later, a different member of the Opposition went on local radio to try and back up those claims.
I responded to a couple of media requests on the topic last week but I thought it was important to reiterate that the Dubbo Hospital carpark was included in the 2019/20 budget papers as an election commitment slated to commence in this term of government.
It is also important to note that the parking will be free.
On multiple occasions I have advocated to the Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, in relation to this project and others, and I will continue to do so.
Stage 4 of the redevelopment is still happening, and construction of the Western Cancer Centre will start this year. There is already a lot happening in the hospital precinct so it isn’t logistically possible for everything to be done at once.
The NSW Government is delivering a redeveloped Dubbo Hospital, we’re building a new hospital in Mudgee and we will also build a new car park at Dubbo Hospital.
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Since last year’s election I have had a lot of enquiries about the Regional Seniors Transport Card, which was one of the NSW Government’s main election commitment projects.
After months of planning, I am pleased to say that applications will be open for the program from January 29.
To be eligible to receive the $250 card you must be an aged pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Seniors must also live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong City Council boundaries.
For more information go to service.nsw.gov.au, call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW
Service Centre.
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People across the State are encouraged to celebrate the contributions of inspirational women in NSW councils by making a nomination for the 2020 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Nominations will close on 12 February 2020. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney on 24 March 2020.
Full details of the categories and information on how to make a nomination can be found at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.