“I have, a fortnight ago, requested the treasurer, health minister and deputy premier for an allocation of an additional $30 million for Inverell Hospital; and that’s because I want stage two of this development fast tracked in the upcoming state budget,” he said. 

He said stage two was essential because it would allow space for a CT scanner for the first time, an additional new operating theatre and the movement of community and allied health services into a new, “modern” space. This would include physiotherapy, dental and aged care resources, oncology wards, disability services and accommodation for visiting specialists.

“I know I have the support of the whole Inverell community just as I did for the first stage,” Mr Marshall said.

“Hopefully in a few months time I’ll be back here with some more good news so that we can see this whole project – and what will be essentially a $60 million project – completed within the next two years.”

Local Bob Bensley, who has been a lobbyist for and harsh critic of the hospital redevelopment for several years, was thrilled with the announcement.

“I’m just amazed at where Adam’s got to where nobody else has looked like getting to,” he said.

“I just can’t believe how good today is because not only are we getting to where we got to last December, but Adam’s made further ground and hopefully, if that budget comes good, we’re going to go a lot further than I had ever imagined we’d be able to.”

“I think that’s fantastic news,” Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon said. He congratulated Mr Marshall for pushing for a facility “that is guaranteed for 30-40 years, as Inverell continues to grow”.

Mr Marshall said it made more sense to have a seamless construction transition between the two stages at the hospital, rather than coming back years later to complete the job.

“With stage one construction locked in to start in the middle of this year and continue into late next year, it makes more sense to proceed with stage two immediately to keep the construction going and to do the job once and properly,” he said.

“It will also ensure we have a finished project that delivers on every single priority identified in the most recent Clinical Services Plan, including future imaging and surgical needs.”