Albury’s mayor, Kevin Mack, expressed a lack of confidence in Health Infrastructure NSW regarding the city’s hospital upgrade, citing discrepancies in project timelines and inadequate communication. On July 15, 2023, Mack raised concerns about the construction of a new clinical services building at Albury Wodonga Health, a key component of the $558 million redevelopment project.
Mack’s skepticism stems from conflicting information he received about the start dates for the construction. He noted that he had been given varying timelines from Mary-Anne Thomas, Victoria’s Health Minister, and executives from Albury Wodonga Health. “I was told by the Victorian minister it would be in December, while another minister indicated it would be next year, and the CEO and chair stated it wouldn’t begin until June next year,” Mack explained.
The mayor emphasized his frustration over parking arrangements for contractors involved in the project, which he believes have deviated from initial plans. “Health Infrastructure NSW has not communicated effectively about where contractors will park, which raises questions about their overall management of the project,” Mack stated. He added that there seems to be a significant disconnect within the organization, saying, “Health Infrastructure NSW don’t know if their left hand is their right hand, and that is my concern.”
Communication issues have been a recurring theme for Mack. He indicated that the established works will not commence until June next year, according to Albury Wodonga Health executives, yet Health Infrastructure has not provided a clear timeline. “If you’re delivering such a big project in this city, surely local government and the community should have some confidence about what is going on,” he remarked.
In response to Mack’s comments, Health Infrastructure NSW did not directly address his no-confidence claim but reiterated its commitment to community engagement regarding the parking upgrade works that have caused frustration. A spokesperson stated, “We are working to minimize disruption to hospital staff, patients, visitors, nearby residents, businesses, and road users while this work is undertaken.”
The spokesperson added that the design for the clinical services building will continue throughout the remainder of 2025, with planning documents set to go on public exhibition before submission for planning determination. Construction is expected to begin from mid-2026, once a main contractor is appointed.
Mack’s comments highlight a broader concern regarding transparency and coordination in large-scale health projects. As the community awaits clarity on the hospital upgrade, local officials emphasize the importance of effective communication and timely updates to maintain public trust.
