The community of Cowra have come together in support of a new or upgraded hospital, with a petition run by Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke collecting thousands of signatures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Cooke announced on Tuesday that the petition has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures.
"I want to use this opportunity to thank everybody who's signed their name on this paper," Ms Cooke said.
"Sometimes as a country seat we need to make a bit of noise to be heard, and it's a lot easier for me to fight when I know I have an army behind me.
"We are tracking at nearly 3,000 signatures on reply-paid envelopes distributed by my office so far, and that's not counting the booklets at Council, the Visitors' Centre and major businesses around town."
The petition will be tabled before the Parliament during the next sitting week, November 13 to 15.
"More than 500 signatures on a petition requires a response from the Health Minister Brad Hazzard, so I'd like to congratulate everyone who has been a part of this for ensuring Cowra is on the agenda," Ms Cooke said.
"I'm very much looking forward to having the Minister here and introducing him to our inspirational doctors, nurses and health professionals as well as the great community they serve."
Mayor of Cowra Bill West encouraged anyone who hadn't yet signed to get down to the Council Chambers to contribute as soon as possible.
"We have an opportunity here to send a message to Parliament with the support of our local Member," Cr West said.
"Let's make that message as strong and loud as possible."
Speaking of the age of the current hospital Ms Cooke said “The building is aging and doesn’t meet the needs of 21st century healthcare”.
“It’s time to place considerable pressure on the government, on the health minister and say it’s now Cowra’s turn for a new hospital,” Ms Cooke said.
“I am really pleased with this result so far.
“”The minister must respond, which is fantastic.
“I’m taking the voice and the concerns of our whole community.
“Almost a third of Cowra has had a say, which is a wonderful result.
“I am so proud to be fighting for this knowing that we stand together,” she said.
Petitions are available to sign at The Closet, Council Chambers, the Koorawatha Hotel, the Cowra Bowling Club, the Cowra Guardian and Visitors' Information Centre as well as Steph Cooke's Young and Junee offices.
Health Minister Hazard is expected to visit Cowra in December.
Read Also:
