The Nationals WA: Meekatharra Hospital Development Needs Construction Clarity

Nationals WA Leader Shane Love MLA says now that a contractor has been appointed for the long-awaited Meekatharra Hospital development, the Cook Labor Government must provide certainty with a confirmed start-date and clear construction timeline.

Mr Love says the development was promised in 2021 and only now has a contractor been appointed.

"Five years ago, WA Labor made a clear election commitment to build a new hospital in Meekatharra, promising that construction would begin during their second term of government. Now, in the third term, the new hospital has become a refurb of the site, and they've finally found a builder."

Mr Love says he has agitated the Government about the urgency of this redevelopment over the years and all he has heard in return are excuses.

"The Government has claimed that no-one wants to build there, that the industry is only focused on metropolitan projects; they said Metronet had taken all the people.

Somehow, however, they've managed to begin construction on a $217 million racetrack. That's all going to plan despite no-one wanting it."

Given the long period of inaction, Mr Love says it seems unlikely that work will be begin anytime soon.

"I wouldn't be surprised if takes years for construction to begin, forcing the good people of Meekatharra to keep relying on an outdated hospital built in 1954.

"A modernised hospital will not only provide upgraded healthcare services for a diverse and large community, it will also attract healthcare staff to the region. "

As the Member for Mid-West, Mr Love says the local community is incredulous that it could take so long for the Government to deliver on a long-promised essential service.

"With responsibility split across four Health Ministers and a Health Infrastructure Minister, the lack of clear leadership is obvious. Today's announcement does not advance the project - it merely delays it further."