Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has hailed today as a milestone on the journey
towards a new hospital for Cowra.
The NSW Budget confirmed that $70.2 million for a transformed hospital is locked in
to the Budget Papers, with construction to commence prior to 2023.
Ms Cooke said she is looking forward to tracking progress of the hospital project as it
gathers momentum.
“This is such an exciting moment, with the hospital appearing in the Budget papers for
the first time.
“This is a huge result for the Cowra community, and I am so excited to witness how this massive and much-deserved undertaking takes shape.
“There is so much planning, consultation and listening which will need to take place
before as much as a screwdriver is put to use, and it’s vital that all the t’s are crossed
and i’s dotted.
“This Budget announcement is the first milestone on what will be a lengthy journey,
and I’m delighted to have Cowra Shire Council and the Western NSW Local Health
District on the journey with us.”
Ms Cooke said this Budget announcement is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of
people, backed by the NSW Government’s strong economic management.
“This hospital project is one of 32 health infrastructure projects taking place across
NSW with a budget of $10.1 billion over four years.
“The community deserves the credit for this outstanding result and now it’s my job to continue working with them and NSW Health to continue the planning process.
Ms Cooke said the redevelopment of Cowra Hospital would mean residents could
receive top-class medical treatment in their home town.
“There’s no doubt that new and upgraded hospitals help dramatically in attracting and
retaining quality medical staff, but it’s the local patients who will notice the most
difference and that’s what this project is all about – local people.”
The news from today’s Budget comes on the back of an announcement by Ms Cooke
and Health Minister Brad Hazzard at Cowra Hospital in February.
CAPTION: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, pictured with Health Services
Manager Pauline Rowston and Cowra Mayor Bill West, has hailed the NSW Budget as
marking a milestone on the journey towards a new hospital for Cowra, with construction
set to begin before 2023.