GRANVILLE Taylor is passionate about the Muswellbrook District Hospital – and ensuring the town boasts the best medical services available.
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It’s been part of his crusade for almost the past decade.
And, even though he’s not alone on the journey, Mr Taylor is seen as the face of the community campaign, especially in his role as the chairman of Muswellbrook Aged Care and Hospital in a New Environment (MACHINE).
So, you can understand why he was all smiles last Thursday.
After years of lobbying for a better facility, including a personal plea recently to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to finish the redevelopment of the 46-bed premises, Labor Leader Michael Daley announced his government would invest $98.4 million to deliver Stage 3 of the project, if elected on March 23.
That proclamation, in itself, was certainly music to Mr Granville’s ears.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
“The major investment by Labor in the hospital redevelopment will be large enough to provide economic stimulus to the entire Muswellbrook region and is an important boost after a difficult period in the coal industry from 2014 to 2017.
“An investment of almost $100 million by a NSW Labor Government would follow funds invested by local mines (Mount Pleasant $1 billion) and in aged care (Calvary $27 million).
“The completion of the redevelopment will restore the confidence of hospital staff in being able to care adequately for patients after serious deficiencies caused by failures of air-conditioning during high summer temperatures and the breakdown of the single lift.”
Mr Taylor said it was important the NSW Government, no matter who was in power, recognised the billions of dollars generated by the Muswellbrook LGA.
“The allocation of substantial funds from the NSW Budget would finally recognise Muswellbrook’s contribution to the domestic economy and exports, and realised capital gains from recent asset sales (power stations and Newcastle port),” he explained.
“The completion of a ‘new’ district hospital in Muswellbrook – strategically located between major facilities in Maitland and Tamworth – will provide an important foundation for investment in the region in the post-coal era.”
