There is much chatter around the Eurobodalla following yesterday's announcement by Premier Gladys Berjiklian and Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced the $150m funding for the Eurobodalla Health Service that will see a regional hospital established in the shire.
As expected most of the chatter is around the location and we are witnessing wide speculation of location and the future of the two existing hospitals. Already there is unfounded outcry from Batemans Bay residents saying that they are the population hub of the shire and it should be in the Bay and if it isn't then they will have to drive 20 minutes of so. The Naroomaites, who have always had to drive are content in accepting that if it was central to the shire then Moruya would definitely be their preference rather that driving that half hour further to Batemans Bay. And in between it all is Moruya with residents already anticipating a new hospital in proximity to the old that will bring a welcome injection of skilled workers to the town and create a mini boom that will trickle throughout the community. As to the demise of the old hospitals? Anything you hear is pure unsubstantiated hearsay and wild speculation at best. As to when, what, and where that is all unknown - what we have is the first step and it is vitally important that the community recognise that this will be a regional hospital for our region where we hopefully will not have to travel to another region for services. Dr Michael Holland is delighted by the announcement and speaks here with Claire Wheaton of ABC South East
Following on from that interview Claire followed up by seeking the NSW Opposition opinion from Walt Secord, MLC Shadow Minister for Health
The Eurobodalla Mayor, Liz Innes has also made comment today saying: "I could not be more delighted that the NSW Government will deliver this amazing and much-needed facility for our region. "The benefits that will flow on from this new hospital to our community cannot be understated. This commitment from the NSW Premier shows confidence in our local Member for Bega Andrew Constance, who I congratulate on this fantastic result. "I also congratulate our local health professionals, particularly Dr Michael Holland, for their advocacy in this space. "It’s incredible to see what can be achieved working collaboratively, with goodwill and clear direction."
