GUNNEDAH Shire Council (GSC) has met with the voluntary administrator of the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre, as council reveals it has poured $175,000 into the clinic.
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Former mayor Owen Hasler requested a report at Wednesday night’s council meeting into GSC’s contribution to the clinic.
GSC general manager Eric Groth told the meeting the contributions from council amounted to about $175,000, made up of financial contributions, the waiving of section 94a contributions, and in-kind stormwater installation.
There were also accommodation contributions at a council-owned unit and the use of council-owned vehicles for doctors, the meeting heard.
“That's the extent of financial or in-kind contributions,” Mr Groth said, noting council was not a creditor.
Mr Groth thanked the administrator for meeting with council at short notice on Tuesday.
"The message he indicated is he’d like to convey he’s working towards a centre staffed, not only by doctors, but also looking to have the centre appropriately resourced with allied health professionals,” Mr Groth said.
Cr Gae Swain told the meeting the community at the time “could all see the benefit of a multi-use facility that could be an attraction for medical professionals in our community”.
“We're not begrudging that money,” she said.
“The board has been working so hard on this issue, and public comments by some people saying that you need to look higher up - well, I say, if you're not going to put your hand up, then put your shoulder to the wheel and don't make comment.”
Cr Colleen Fuller, who doubles as the Gunnedah and District Health Services Local Health Committee chair, thanked Mr Hayes for visiting
"We will need doctors with the town growing,” she said.
“Let’s hope we can get something.”
Mr Hayes did not respond to requests for comment this week, but told the NVI last week he was committed to working towards re-opening the centre.
"I've been approached by a number of parties who have expressed interest in taking over the centre,” he said.
"I can't guarantee it will re-open, but I can guarantee we will do our best to get it re-opened.
“I'd really like to thank the staff at the centre who are committed to getting it re-opened."