With NSW Health announcing an extended deadline for Griffith to put forward ideas for re-purposing the nurses quarters building to save it from scheduled demolition, some residents are still unhappy with the process.
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Around 30 concerned Griffith residents spear-headed by resident Sherene Blumer came together for the second time on the front lawn of the Griffith Base Hospital (GBH) backed by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Murray electorate spokesperson Helen Dalton to voice concerns to Member for Murray Austin Evans.
See The Area News’ livestreamed video of the meeting below:
The gathering comes after Health Minister Brad Hazzard agreed to a three week extension for community proposals on health-related usage of the former nurses’ quarters at GBH, after Mr Evans put forward a community petition.
Griffith residents Jasmine Dossetor and Marie Brown were hopeful the meeting brought concerns over consultation into focus for Mr Evans.
“There has been a lot of self motivated action so far, but nothing from the people who are meant to be representing us,” Ms Dossetor said.
“We just want proper community consultation – all of the for and against, and the decision makers with the budgets, lets all come together instead of keeping people in the dark, I think thats what people are upset about mainly,” Ms Brown said.
The deadline for proposals meeting the criteria is now Friday June 8 and the removal of hazardous material will continue onsite in the meantime.
Mrs Dalton says the Government is “bullying” community groups in order for them to “roll over and accept” the demolition of the building.
“Health Minister Hazzard is putting it back on the community to come up with the specific plans and details to fix nurses quarters to mask the lack of genuine consultation,” Mrs Dalton said.
“It isn’t the job of taxpayers to draft complex architectural plans and budgets.”
But Mr Evans reiterates Health Infrastructure have assessed the building and put forward their plan – to demolish the building.
“People are saying they don’t like that decision, so they now have the chance to put their opinions and plans forward,” Mr Evans said.
NSW Health condition reports have identified the building is “unviable” for reuse due to compliance, structural design, and the presence of asbestos, and the condition, layout and location of the building also make it unsuitable for any clinical use and are unsuitable for redevelopment as office space or accommodation.
“Health Infrastructure aren’t asking for a detailed budget and architectural drawings, they are asking for concepts that go beyond a on-liner, and they are offering the chance on Thursday for anyone who has any ideas.”
Mr Evans said a project team will be available at GBH in the Board Room on Thursday May 24 from 2pm – 4pm to discuss proposals should community members need any guidance.
Proposals for alternative uses must adhere to the following criteria:
- Alternative uses must be for a health related function. Frontline clinical services are not considered a suitable use given the distance of the building from other hospital facilities.
- The proposal must consider the needs of the Clinical Services Plan and proposed Master Plan for the site.
- The proposals should provide a funding source other than NSW Health and provide an estimate of the capital cost.
- Ongoing facility management and operational considerations/requirements should be clearly articulated and a funding source identified to meet these ongoing operational costs.
- Proposals must consider both architectural outcomes and Building Code of Australia (BCA) compliance
Health Infrastructure will review any proposals and brief the NSW Minister for Health on the proposals and next steps.
Master Plan pop up information
The preferred option for the Master Plan will be online Wednesday May 16, and will be presented in two pop-up shops in Griffith on Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26 to seek feedback.
You can drop in any time to meet the Project Team, have your say and ask any questions.
WHEN: Griffith Central Shopping Mall
WHEN: Friday may 25 – 10am to 2pm, and Saturday May 26 – 10am to 2pm.
The Master Plan Summary Report will be availebl from Wednesday May 16 here.
