The Nationals WA are calling on the Cook Labor Government to provide an urgent update on the status of two long-awaited health projects in the Mid West region – the Meekatharra Hospital and the Mullewa Hospital redevelopment.
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Mid-West, Shane Love MLA, raised concerns in Parliament this week about the lack of progress on the Meekatharra Hospital project, which was promised during the 2021 State Election.
“WA Labor made a clear commitment to build a new hospital in Meekatharra, promising construction would begin during their second term of government,” Mr Love said. “Yet, despite the second term now having passed, the project remains in limbo.
“The people of Meekatharra are still left with an outdated health facility, which is not only a barrier to attracting staff but also denies the region a modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare facility.”
Mr Love criticised the Premier’s response in Question Time, describing it as “dismissive and weak.”
“Instead of acknowledging the Government’s failure to deliver on its promise, the Premier simply listed a series of excuses.
“He claimed it was too difficult to attract builders to Meekatharra due to its remote location, and blamed the construction industry’s focus on metropolitan projects like Metronet,” Mr Love said.
“The Premier should stop making excuses and apologise to the people of Meekatharra. It’s time to take responsibility and deliver the project the community deserves.”
Member for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr MLA, also questioned the Minister for Health Infrastructure this week about the ongoing delays to the Mullewa Hospital redevelopment.
“It has now been two months since the tender process for the Mullewa Hospital closed, yet the Minister for Health Infrastructure has failed to confirm whether it was successful, or when a contractor will be appointed,” Ms Warr said.
“More than eight years have passed since the former Liberal-National Government funded and committed to this project. It’s unacceptable that the people of Mullewa continue to wait for a new hospital.”
Ms Warr expressed frustration at the Health Infrastructure Minister’s response, which provided no new information beyond stating that the tender process was still being assessed.
“It’s deeply disappointing that the Minister could not even confirm whether the project is still on track for construction this year, as was previously promised,” Ms Warr said.
“Judging by the Cook Labor Government’s abysmal track record on regional health, I would suspect this project will also face further delays, but I will continue to push for answers on this critical health project for the Mullewa community.”
