Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson took a stand on a petitioned health debate in the Legislative Assembly today, calling for the Government to fund the completion of the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment plan.
“The Myall Lakes community have spoken, with over 12,000 signatures, our community needs improved healthcare services,” said Mrs Thompson.
“I proudly represented the Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group, who have been advocating for better health services in our community for over eight years.”
The petition, put forward by the Community Health Action group brought Myall Lakes community members to the public gallery during the debate – Eddie & Trish Wood, Carmel Bartlett, Anne-Marie Barry and Roger Dixon.
“Funding for stage 3 needs to be guaranteed by this Labor Government for upgrades to the ICU and emergency department and specialised services such as a hybrid theatre and a cath lab to accommodate the need of our growing population and demographic,” said Mrs Thompson.
“The people of Myall Lakes deserve better, they are calling for better and it’s time we got on with the job.”
Participating Members of Parliament in the debate who also supported the need for enhanced infrastructure in the region included Minister for Health – Ryan Park, Shadow Minister for Regional Health – Gurmesh Singh and Member for Balmain – Kobi Shetty.
During the debate, Minister for Health Ryan Park said he is committed to making sure the $180 million State Budget funding allocation is delivered.
“I don’t want people to think the $180 million is full stop, never to get any more money on the Lower Mid North Coast, it’s not that at all.”
Eddie Wood, Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group President said, “We are extremely happy with how the debate went and were impressed with the way Tanya Thompson argued our case.
“It was pleasing to see the Health Minister there and other politicians speaking on behalf of the Manning and our community’s healthcare needs.
“We have actually achieved something by bringing the petition down and attending the debate, hopefully building starts soon.”
A review of the Clinical Services Plan is being undertaken at the end of August and Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson will continue to keep the community updated as the project continues to progress.
