Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the South Burnett community deserves answers after a loss of services at the new Kingaroy Hospital following serious water damage during a rain event in January.
Mrs Frecklington said information shared with her was concerning and had potential serious ramifications for access to important health services.
“This is a brand new Hospital, only opened just before Christmas and we are now hearing reports that so much water leaked through the roof that the maternity ward will be closed for some time,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We have heard that new mums and bubs were forced to evacuate on the day of the flooding and that the ward has not reopened due to water damage.
“I am also concerned about information suggesting the brand new CT Scanner, which is on the ground floor, was also damaged and is out of action.
“It is unacceptable to think that a brand new building could be damaged to this extent, leaving our community with questions about how this could have happened and when services will return to normal.
“Given that this project started as a $62million redevelopment, and has now blown out to $92.5million, surely this amount of money would ensure a waterproof building? We also need to know how much this will cost to repair and who is footing the bill.
“The Health Minister has not communicated with the community, instead keeping silent on the issue.
“Minister D’Ath needs to explain what has occurred and why, how many hospital beds are closed and how long the community will wait until repairs are complete,” Mrs Frecklington said.
Photo: The new Kingaroy Hospital CT Scanner which is understood to be damaged following flooding in the Hospital this month.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says she is focussed on three key goals for 2021 and will be advocating on behalf of the Nanango Electorate until they are secured.
Mrs Frecklington said her focus will be on road funding, health services and water security.
“In 2021 I will be working to achieve support for the Nanango Electorate across the areas which continue to need serious attention,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We all know our road network does not receive the level of funding required, so I will be pushing for this to be addressed. I will also continue my advocacy for access to better health services across the Electorate, and work to highlight the need for water security for our irrigators,” Deb said.
Key project needs across the Nanango Electorate for 2021:
Roads
Health
Water Security
