Mayor of Parkes, Cr Ken Keith has expressed his excitement with the news that several sites will soon be considered.

Cr Keith and Malcolm Stacey (co-chair of the Lachlan Health Council) have met with Mr Ron Dunham (CEO Western NSW Local Health District) to discuss the progress of the Parkes Hospital.

“I am very pleased, excited in fact, to advise that we were reassured that a new hospital for Parkes is progressing well,” Cr Keith said.

“Health Infrastructure, the state department which manages the building of hospitals, is shortly to commence the site selection work for the new hospital.

“This will involve the assessment of a number of local sites, including the existing location, to determine which is most advantageous for the new hospital.

“We have asked that one of the assessment criteria ensures there is plenty of room for expansion, as we are confident the town will continue to grow,” he said.

Cr Keith said council had suggested several possible sites.

“However, the selection process has not yet commenced so which sites will be included are not fully known at this stage.”

Council staff is currently consulting widely on what it (council) can do to make the biggest difference to the shire in the next four years.

“It is no surprise to Parkes residents that a new hospital and supporting medical services remains the highest priority,” Cr Keith said.

The Mayor praised local State Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant, for pushing ahead with his pre-election promise to refurbish the Forbes hospital and build a new hospital for Parkes.

“We know how hard he has been working behind the scenes in Macquarie Street for the people of Parkes and Forbes to deliver these two critical community projects, for which the communities should be very appreciative,” Cr Keith said.