A key issue in the seat of Tweed is around the preservation of State Significant Farmland (SSF) that is currently under threat from developers like those behind the ‘Cudgen Connection’ development proposed for the site next to the current Tweed Valley Hospital (TVH). This is especially concerning following the NSW government’s release of the NSW Planning Rezoning Pathways Program the day before the caretaker period started prior to the election which many locals believe ‘will service the agendas of developers and land bankers‘.
While sitting National’s member Geoff Provest might feel annoyed at the repeated questions asking for his commitment to free parking at the TVH and retaining the old Tweed Hospital for public health; understandably, the members of his electorate are uneasy that a future government might throw their promises to the wind.
To see Provest’s response on STRA and floodplain development click here.
Will you give an unequivocal guarantee to protect the remaining Cudgen State Significant Farmland including any attempts to rezone for non-agricultural purposes, such as those proposed by the ‘Cudgen Connection’?
I have given this commitment in the past, reiterated it when this proposal first emerged, and have not changed my mind.
Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to provide free parking at the TVH?
Yes. Where has The Echo been? This has been reported on many occasions and was AGAIN confirmed by the Deputy Premier on 2 March when it was extended to cover all regional hospitals in NSW.
What commitments will you make to mitigating the impact of the TVH’s identified 5,500 additional daily traffic movements on local communities eg substantial free parking, regular & timely shuttle bus service, enhanced public transport?
The hospital has its own traffic plan that was part of the approved development. Shuttle bus services and changes to the current public transport system are in planning and will be closely monitored and adjusted as required.
Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to keep The Tweed Hospital open and operating as a hospital?
That was not the commitment given – the commitment given was that there would be medical services available on the site and yes, this will be honured!
Plans are still under development and it will be some time before these are finalised by the NNSWLHD. I would expect more information to become available once the new hospital opens in November.
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