Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has warned that pressure is mounting on the NSW government to deliver a new Coolamon Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS), with this month's state budget shaping up to be a critical test of its commitment to building regional infrastructure. Ms Cooke said this year's State Budget must provide a clear funding commitment to get the project moving. "Three years ago, a commitment was made to deliver a brand-new, state-of-the-art MPS for Coolamon," Ms Cooke said. "Since then, nothing has happened. "The NSW Government must take these plans off the shelf and put them back on the agenda so work can finally begin." According to Ms Cooke in 2023, the former Coalition Government committed $56 million towards a redevelopment of the Coolamon MPHS, however the project has not progressed under the current government. Ms Cooke said local residents have waited long enough for health infrastructure that reflects the needs of the community and the standard of care they deserve. "Coolamon deserves a modern, fit-for-purpose MPS that can serve local families for generations to come," she said. "We can see just how much this community supports itself through services such as the council-run Allawah Lodge, and the Government is aware of just how much locals’ value accessible healthcare.” “It's time for the government to recognise the contributions of this community by investing in the infrastructure needed to support them." The call comes as regional communities across southern NSW advocate for improved healthcare facilities, with concerns growing about ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services. Ms Cooke said Coolamon is not the only community in the Cootamundra electorate she is seeking immediate investment for. "Communities in Cootamundra and Grenfell also need stronger health infrastructure and deserve to know that their future healthcare needs are being taken seriously,” she said. "The campaign to save Cootamundra Pathology exposed the need for secure healthcare services and modern infrastructure.” “Meanwhile, Grenfell can’t activate the nine bed licenses it was granted by the federal government, because the current facility cannot accommodate them. That is simply inexcusable.”
