Emma Pritchard

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has reinstated the NSW Government’s commitment to the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) redevelopment.

As he acknowledged concerns raised by the local community after reports NSW Health had paused construction on the long-awaited project following the release of the updated Clarence River Flood Model by Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and subsequent increase in the Probable Maximum Flood Level across Grafton, Mr Williamson revealed he recently spoke with NSW Health Minster Ryan Park and was in a position to provide an update on the GBH redevelopment.

While confirming there will be “a brief pause in the planning”, which he said is expected to remain in place over Christmas and early into 2024 to allow NSW Health Infrastructure to update their project heights with regards to the planning of the GBH redevelopment, Mr Williamson confirmed the project is going ahead.

“The money is available, and the NSW Government is committed to timelines in the Budget,” he said.

“This (GBH redevelopment) is a once in a generational build.

“We don’t build a new hospital every now and again, we build them once every 50 or 60 years.

“It has to be right.”

Mr Williamson said a slight pause is a good thing to ensure that the planning is done correctly.

“What is important to know is the project is going ahead,” he said.

“The NSW Health Minister and the NSW Government have reconfirmed that in writing with me, and in the new year I will be making sure that the planning gets back underway as soon as those documents are provided from council.

“I understand why the community are a bit fearful, we saw a similar thing with the (New) Grafton Bridge a few years ago, but in my discussion with the NSW Government I can absolutely give some reassurance that they are committed to the project.

“The NSW Health Minister has told me that.

“I am sure in the new year planning will be up and running as soon as those policy issues are resolved.”