Related coverage:
State opposition figures have accused the government of trying to cover up delays at Wagga’s public hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 2017-18 budget papers have pushed the completion of existing works out to 2019, up from last year’s estimate of 2017 and the original deadline of 2015.
Stage three of the redevelopment, which was originally slated to begin in 2016, was also included in the budget, with an estimated 2022 completion for the $170 million project.
Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire said there was a lot of work in tearing down one hospital and building another in its place.
“We’re doing what we said we’d do, delivering a state-of-the-art facility that’s the biggest and best in regional NSW, probably even regional Australia,” Mr Maguire said.
“We’re getting it right, so if it takes a little longer then so be it provided we get it right.”
Upper house MP Daniel Mookhey accusing the government of trying to hide problems while Wagga councillor Dan Hayes said the city “deserved better”.
“Mr Maguire and the Liberals brag about a new hospital, but they have left it delayed and underfunded,” Cr Hayes said.
“Daryl Maguire has dropped the ball on Wagga hospital.”
Mr Mookhey said it was part of a larger trend where regional infrastructure was being delayed despite billions from asset sales being spent in Sydney.
“The budget papers reveal (the government) is not being upfront about the redevelopment,” Mr Mookhey said. “They must come clean and answer some basic questions like why it’s been delayed and will it effect treatment services and waiting times?”
Mr Maguire hit back at the criticism, saying the government had done “what Labor could never do” and built the hospital.
“It goes to show how inexperienced they are… to stand on the sidelines and criticise is pretty rich,” he said.
Mr Maguire said the project was quite complex and stage three involved finishing demolition, digging out old infrastructure and pipe works, laying down new utilities and then building on top.
A government spokeswoman said demolition of the old tower was expected to be completed soon, while the new forecourt and car park were on track for the end of the year.
“The budget papers are a financial completion, not a physical completion of the project,” she said.
“Stage three of the redevelopment includes ambulatory care, aboriginal health, allied health, clinical offices, community and mental health, education and library, oral health, rehabilitation services and renal.”