We the undersigned wish to express our dissatisfaction with the current state of Tumut District Hospital buildings which we believe are inefficient, inappropriate, unsafe and in urgent need replacement.

We request that Council take up this cause on our behalf with the government of New South Wales and its health administrators as a matter of urgency.

The sustainability of our present and future economic development depends on the people of Tumut district having access to a modem and safe hospital appropriate to our needs. We maintain that the present hospital needs urgent replacement.

This community and local government has worked hard over the past decade to build a vibrant and growing local economy which is a leader of small towns in rural New South Wales. Our population is growing, our industries are expanding, our towns are a hub of activity. The current timetable for a new hospital as set down by Greater Southern Area Health Service, we believe will undo all that hard work and will jeopardise the economy of this shire.

The pioneers of this district who built our hospital 107 years ago did not skimp on the project. They built the best hospital in the region which attracted doctors to it. These doctors then remained in the district and served the people of Tumut well.

We respectfully ask that Tumut Shire Council make the replacement of Tumut District Hospital with a modem, safe and efficient building which our community can be proud of as a top priority of Council.

Tumut & Adelong Times

April 21, 2006