Land at the corner of Blatchford and Mill Streets, originally earmarked as a site for an aged living space in Canowindra, will be set aside as a possible site for a new medical centre.
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The site, currently owned by Cabonne Shire Council, would house both aged living units and a medical centre.
Cabonne Shire Council voted the site its preferred option at its February meeting after considering a report from its general manager Bradley Byrnes and debate featuring Canowindra councillors Jenny Weaver and Andrew Pull.
Canowindra's other councillor, Kathryn O'Ryan, declared an interest and didn't take part in the debate.
The NSW Government has made a $6 million commitment to invest in a HealthOne facility in Canowindra, with $500,000 dedicated to commence a master plan process this financial year.
The Blatchford and Mill Streets site received a tick of approval in preference to one at the Soldiers Memorial Hospital site.
Cr Andrew Pull voted against giving preference to the Blatchford and Mill Street site.
"I spent the last few days talking to, I suppose, 10 senior people involved in health and other people in the community and I think our better Option is option B," Cr Pull told the meeting.
"One of the things that keeps coming up is that (Option A) is central to everybody in town and that it is in walking distance. It is only within walking distance if you live within 500 metres of where it is going to be built," Cr Pull said.
He also questioned the level of community consultation that had taken place, something Cr Jenny Weaver questioned.
"I've attended meetings in regards to this proposal, we've had good attendance at those meetings," Cr Weaver said.
Cr Weaver said those attending a recent meeting had "walked out thinking wow, that's a pretty good proposal".
"I'm involved with the UHA in Canowindra which raises money for the local hospital, all members knew about it and had been to meetings.
"I don't know where your information is coming from," Cr Weaver said.
Cr Pull added he didn't believe Option A was supported by the health profession.
"The statement from some of the senior health care people I spoke to is that health care is changing, a lot of it is going to be preventative and a lot of homecare which means the site is not quite as relevant, whether it is at the hospital or down town," Cr Pull said.
"Talking to the doctors in town, it's all about the flow of the workplace.
"The doctors can't be in three places at once. If we're looking at a HealthOne system that may include doctors in that area, the flow of that workforce at the hospital site is going to work a lot better than being down town and rushing up to the hospital for an emergency," Cr Pull said.
Mr Byrnes said council had developed a strategic plan to address the issue, held meetings with state ministers and the Local Health District to engage consultants to assist in the delivery of a strategic plan for Canowindra.
This led to a commitment from the NSW Government for funding.
"Two sites were identified as the best options," Mr Byrnes said.
Council's preferred option on the north east corner of Blatchford and Mill streets provides close proximity to Gaskill Street services, allows for on-site parking, and has the potential to be able to co-locate up to eight residential units in addition to the Medical Centre.
"Following consultation on 16 February 2022 with both the Canowindra Retirement Village Working Committee and the Canowindra community (through the Cabonne Council Community BBQ and Consultations), Option A has been identified by the community as the most feasible option, particularly given its central location and linkages to Gaskill Street amenities," Mr Byrnes said.
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