Kiama MP Gareth Ward lambasted members of the Greens party on Shoalhaven City Council in an address to NSW Parliament on Tuesday, September 22.
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The speech was in response to a push from Mayor Amanda Findley and Councillor Nina Digiglio for the state government to consider a greenfield site for their proposed $434 million investment in the Shoalhaven District Hospital.
"I need to advise the House that neither the Greens' political party mayor nor any Greens' political party councillor has contacted NSW Health, the health minister, me or the Member for South Coast to seek information or advice on the viability of a greenfield site," Mr Ward told parliament.
"The Greens' political party councillors have undertaken no assessment of possible sites and given the size of land required for a potential new development the only possible options for a hospital site would likely be those in a flood or fire zone."
Cr Findley defended her actions and challenged Mr Ward to engage in a "logical conversation" about the development.
"It's a shame the Member for Kiama wants to be a drama queen when all we want is a logical conversation about the future of healthcare in the region," she said.
"That's my opinion, not the opinion of council.
In his address, Mr Ward claimed the Greens had not raised the issue of the hospital in the recent state election campaign.
"The Greens political party made absolutely no commitment during a campaign when these matters were actually relevant," he said.
Cr Digiglio did push for a greenfield hospital option when she campaigned for the seat of Kiama during the state election.
In February 2019 she said: "A purpose-built, best-practice health facility will serve the community properly well into the future and attract qualified health professionals to the region.
"I support action now in community consultation before the planning process commences to determine how we can build something truly worthwhile rather than patch up an outdated institution."