Completion now early to mid 2008, BUT 'Batlow MPS still on track'.

THE Adelong/Batlow MPS committee has been told that the facility is still progressing despite possible design changes to the layout.

The appointed architect, Mr Chin Young from Rice Daubney, has told the committee that the project is still going ahead however some alterations may be necessary to accommmodate new clauses to the use of the land.

"The MPS project is still going ahead as planned despite the current issues surrounding the rail line that exists on the land.

"If the current rail corridor can not be closed the MPS will be moved forward on the block and the front carpark will moved to the side," said Mr Young.

Mr Young advised the committee that due to the recent delays the project is running approximately three months behind the original schedule.

Mr Young advised the updated schedule is: * Tenders will be finalised by November - December 2006, * Contracts to be issued by February 2007, and the * Completion of the Adelong/Batlow MPS by early to mid-2008.

The committee was also informed that the budget for this project has been increased from $11.03 million to the $11.802 million referred to by the Health Minister duping the release of the latest State Budget.

Christine Menon says the committee is hoping that commonsense will prevail and the MPS can be built as currently planned.

"We hope the rail line will not be an issue and the facility will go ahead as per original plans. However the most important thing is that it is continuing and will provide a valuable service to our local community," said Diana Droscher.

During the meeting the MPS committee viewed the current draft plan for the building, suggested materials, different types of pathway options and landscaping options.

Draft plans of the MPS facility are currently on display in the Batlow Hospital. The MPS committee is encouraging the local community to view

and provide feedback on the plans and the artist's impression.

The Adelong Community Health Centre will also receive its long awaited upgrade. Plans are currently being drawn up for the upgrade and it is expected that the upgrade will be completed by the end of 2006 or very early 2007 at a cost of around $200,000.

The Adelong/Batlow MPS committee held their annual general meeting on June 15 when Janice Vanzella and Isobel Crain were elected to the respective position of chairperson and vice chairperson.

Remaining commitee members are Christine Menon, Jan Knott, Scott Baron, Diana Droscher and Heather Jamieson.

If any community member has any questions about the Adelong/Batlow MPS they can contact an MPS comittee member or the Acting Health Service Manager Colleen Power on 6949 1105.

TUMUT & ADELONG TIMES

2006, June 30