NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard hopeful building will start on new hospital within two years

"I am hopeful that building on a new hospital can commence by late 2018 or at latest early 2019," Mr Hazzard said.  

Mr Hazzard said an article in Friday’s The Area News indicating building was unlikely to commence until 2020 was "false". 

He said there is need for Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and doctors to work together on updating the hospital's Clinical Services Plan . 

When this is complete, MLHD can approach health infrastructure – the government body that manages the planning, design and delivery of health infrastructure capital works – to work out the details of how and when building a hospital can commence. 

"I have indicated that I want everything done as quickly as possible". 

Mr Hazzard said if the Clinical Services Plan can be sorted out and community consultation done in a timely manner, he would anticipate building could commence within two years. 

While there is still some uncertainly over whether a brand new hospital would be built from scratch, or new facilities added to existing infrastructure,  Mr Hazzard made his preference clear. 

"I would like to see a brand spanking new hospital in Griffith," Mr Hazzard said. 

"I encourage the MLHD to communicate with the community on every step of the process". 

Mr Hazzard said he told MLHD to publish information on new hospital planning, so it was publicly available.