The Beagle Editor,
It is now four weeks since natural disaster started to devastate parts of our community.
I have seen the effects of loss and threatened loss on my friends, colleagues and neighbours, many of whom are supporters of One New Eurobodalla hospital.
My thoughts are with them.
The Newcastle earthquake occurred on Thursday, 28 December 1989. The shock measured 5.6 on the Richter magnitude scale and was one of Australia’s most serious natural disasters, killing 13 people and injuring more than 160.
I commenced work there one week later.
The earthquake was a catalyst that redefined Newcastle. It accelerated the development of consolidated hospital services. The city became a centre for health services, education and tourism.
Our immediate priority is to provide food, water, shelter and power to our affected community members.
We need to recognise and act on the short and long term psychological and emotional effects on our community.
However, the Eurobodalla will rebuild.
Now we must advance the development of a single new level 4 regional hospital at a site of equitable and safe access to all residents of the Eurobodalla.
A site that is safe from bush fire as well as flood, which can be accessed from Batemans Bay to Narooma.
A hospital that has the specialist services that were lacking on New Years Eve, 2019, our Black Saturday, 2020 and January 23rd 2020.
Now is the time for Federal government to finally contribute to the funding of health capital development and infrastructure
Our local MP, Andrew Constance, has supported our community during this disaster.
Now is the time for the Prime Minister, the Premier and the NSW Minister for Health to follow his example of leadership and action.
Dr Michael Holland
AUDIO: Dr Michael Holland speaks with Simon Lauder of ABC South East Radio
January 22nd 2020 - Recorded under Fair Dealing - All copy right remains with ABC
