Dear Mr McCormack,
In your role as Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, funding for infrastructure under bush fire recovery falls under the remit of your Ministry.
The tender of $171.6 million for the South East Regional Hospital, Bega, was granted in February 2014 and was funded through the Health and Hospitals Fund program – the Federal Government is providing $160.1 million and $10 million will be provided by the NSW Government along with ongoing staff and operational costs.
The final capital cost was $187 million with ultimately $167 million of Federal funds and $20 million of NSW funds.The NSW Government has committed $150 million to the development which may not commence construction until 2023.Considering CPI increases and the need to provide a larger number of hospital services to a larger community than either SERH, Bega or Goulburn Base Hospital, it is evident that the Eurobodalla needs at least $200 million from State and Federal governments to build a single new level 4 regional hospital.
During the pre-election period of 2019, the NSW and Federal Opposition parties committed $200 million to the development of a single new level 4 Eurobodalla regional hospital imcluding adult inpatient mental health services.
As a result of the recent bush fire disaster, which has exposed the local deficiencies of hospital services, the Federal Government must commit to a minimum equivalent level of funding.
On a second issue, now that you are responsible for Australia Post as a result of the Administrative Arrangement Order introduced on 5th December 2019, could you please explain the following failure of the Australian postal service?
Approximately, 1000 letters have been posted to 122 Carp Street, Bega, NSW 2550. As yet, there has been no response from the addressee. I can only presume that the letters have not been delivered or that the response have been lost in the mail. I look forward to your inquiry into this matter. Yours sincerely, Michael Holland
