The demolition of the nurses quarters building may be paused, after community action and petition reaches NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
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Member for Murray Austin Evans said after a vote from Griffith City Council to put forward the petition, he raised the issue with Health Minister Brad Hazzard who said if a viable, health-related purpose for the building was proposed, he would consider halting the demolition.
Council meeting
Griffith resident and building designer Sherene Blumer has been spear-heading the campaign to save the old nurses quarters building.
She states if demolished, historical and social significance would be lost and claims the building’s architectural stability would be conducive to re-purposing.
Along with supportive community members, she put forward a motion on Tuesday night to appeal to Councillors to help her approach NSW Health in her fight to stop the demolition – and Council agreed to pass the motion.
Austin Evans takes action
Mr Evans has taken action after being approached by Council to forward the petition for Mr Hazzard.
“Both Sherene and the Mayor contacted me to make me aware of what eventuated in the Council meeting,” Mr Evans said.
“My office sent the petition and other information to Mr Hazzard on Wednesday.”
Mr Hazzard’s initial reaction was to continue with the asbestos removal and demolition contract given it may incur costs to halt the process.
Hazzard promises reconsideration, with conditions
Mr Evans said he spoke directly to Mr Hazzard and secured a promise for reconsideration, on the condition a feasible alternative health-related use for the building is put forward.
“I got an undertaking out of him to go to Health Infrastructure to find out what is possible and if we can get a pause on the asbestos removal,” Mr Evans said.
“This will give Sherene and her group time to come up with ideas and plans on what we can do with the nurses quarters.”
These ideas will need to take into account the distance from the main building, working around the current building structure, and must have a health-related function.
After receiving 1250 signatures on her petition, Ms Blumer was worried sending it herself to the Health Department would be too late as the demolition process is set to start on May 15.
Save the nurses quarters response
Ms Blumer was thrilled the Mr Evans delivered the community petition.
“Austin Evans, Member for Murray, has delivered our community petition to the Hon. Brad Hazzard MP, Minister for Health and Medical Research,” Ms Blumer said.
“He has just advised that the demolition of the Nurses Quarters will be halted and time given for further options of how the building can contribute to the redevelopment of the Hospital.”
She said Mr Evans mentioned that the contracts for the removal of the asbestos would have to be stopped.
Ms. Blumer, however has suggested that the contracts for the Asbestos removal could still be used, with the removal of the loose Asbestos and any linoleum immediately thereby not voiding contracts.
Ms Blumer advised that the fixed Asbestos should remain in place at this stage to protect the integrity of the building.
“It is proposed that the demountable buildings that would have been located on the Nurses Quarters site shall now be located on the front grassed area of the hospital, therefore not inhibiting the enabling works for the hospital redevelopment,” Ms Blumer said.
“As a loyal group of people, we are delighted to work with all the community, MLHD and NSW Health Infrastructure to assist in the delivery of ideas to refurbish this building that enhances the requirements of the hospital and the Griffith Health Services Plan Refresh 2017.”
“Shortly we will announce times for public consultation so that everybody in our community has an opportunity to become engaged in the process and have input into what the Nurses Quarters can become as an adjunct to the Griffith Base Hospital.”
Other support to stop demolition
Mr Evans and Mr Hazzard have copped backlash for not listening to the Griffith community, with Shadow Minister for Health Walt Secord and Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party Murray spokesperson Helen Dalton calling on him to throw his weight behind saving the building.
Mr Secord said there was growing concern the State Government was acting without proper community consultation – and the wrecking ball was set to hit the historic building.
“Let’s press the pause button and listen to the community,” Mr Secord said.
He also slammed the culture of secrecy under this Government’s watch and the “pushing aside the community and any opposition” by the Berejiklian Government.
“Sadly, it has become a culture of the Sydney-based State Government knows best and just get out of the way.”
“The locals want a new hospital, but they just want to be included and involved in the process – They also do not want to stop the process; they just want information.”
Ms Dalton called for Mr Evans to join her in opposing the demolition, saying he should “grow a backbone.”
“He has a duty to stand up for what locals in Griffith want… Once this is gone, it’s gone forever.”
She is concerned about Griffith’s shortage of rental accommodation, and is further concerned about Griffith’s ability to have doctors and nurses travelling here to keep the hospital running.
“Keeping this nurses quarters open would help us attract more healthcare professionals,” Ms Dalton said.
“Instead of caring about people living here, the State Government is just focusing on numbers on a sheet of paper, and it’s not good enough. Griffith deserves better.”