Albury’s Mayor, Kevin Mack, has voiced significant concerns regarding the management of the local hospital upgrade by Health Infrastructure NSW. On July 15, 2023, Mack stated he has “no confidence” that the authority will deliver the promised enhancements to the city’s healthcare facilities, specifically the new clinical services building.
The mayor’s skepticism stems from conflicting information he received about the construction timeline. He highlighted discrepancies in the start dates for the project, which is a pivotal component of the overall $558 million redevelopment plan. Mack indicated that he has received varied timelines from both Mary-Anne Thomas, the Victorian Health Minister, and executives from Albury Wodonga Health.
Mack reported that the Victorian Health Minister had mentioned a start date in December 2023, while other officials suggested the work might not commence until June 2024. This inconsistency raised alarms for the mayor, who expressed frustration over the apparent communication breakdown.
“My concern is that Health Infrastructure NSW does not seem to have clarity on their operations,” Mack stated. “If this miscommunication continues regarding something as simple as contractor parking, it raises questions about how they will manage the overall construction process.”
The mayor’s remarks were made in the context of changes to the parking arrangements that were initially outlined in the environmental report. He noted that contractors would need to park on nearby streets, which he believes indicates a lack of proper planning.
Mack outlined the various timelines he has encountered: “I was told by the Victorian minister it would be in December, but then I heard from the CEO and the board chair that it wouldn’t be until June next year,” he said. He emphasized the importance of clear communication, especially considering the scale of this project, which he feels directly impacts the local community.
In response to Mack’s comments, a representative from Health Infrastructure NSW did not directly address the no-confidence claim but reiterated their commitment to community engagement. “We are working to minimize disruption to hospital staff, patients, and the surrounding community during the upgrade works,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson also confirmed that the design for the clinical services building will continue throughout the remainder of 2025, with detailed consultations involving clinical users. Construction is now expected to begin around mid-2026, following the appointment of a main contractor.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the hospital upgrade has left local residents and officials questioning the efficacy of Health Infrastructure NSW. Mayor Mack underscored the necessity for local government to receive consistent and accurate updates regarding such a significant project: “If you’re delivering such a big project in this city, surely local government and the community should have some confidence about what is going on.”
As the community awaits further clarification on the hospital project timeline, the focus remains on ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and that the redevelopment meets the healthcare needs of the Albury region.
