Pictured from left: Wodonga Council Deputy Mayor Michelle Cowan, Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price at the Albury Base Hospital.
A significant shortfall in parking and traffic congestion will be exacerbated during the expansion of Albury Base Hospital, Border councils have warned.
The issues are among concerns raised in Albury City and Wodonga Councils’ submissions to NSW Health Infrastructure’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project.
It’s understood construction of the first stage - the new two-storey Northeast Building, which will accommodate allied health services, outpatient clinics, a pharmacy and administration areas - will commence mid next year.
Key issues raised in the submissions include:
- Increased traffic congestion at the already busy Borella Road/East Street intersection
- Significant car parking shortfall, with proposed temporary measures failing to replace lost capacity
- Construction noise and vibration impacting patients, particularly at the adjacent Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre
- Project staging affecting current services and access to care
- Negative impact on social and community services
Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel said the REF only adds credence to concerns already raised by the Alliance of Regional Councils, which represents 12 councils and is chaired by Mayor Gobel.
“The REF highlights some deeply concerning realities about this redevelopment, including parking shortalls, risks to community services and access to care,” said Mayor Gobel.
“Our community deserves a hospital that improves health outcomes without compromising the liveability and function of the surrounding area.”
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the parking situation alone will place enormous strain on hospital users, staff and nearby residents.
“The congestion and traffic movements are horrendous now,” Mayor Mack said.
“A 39-space temporary car park is being proposed to replace 40 spaces lost during construction – but that area is already being used by visitors and staff. There’s also no parking planned for construction workers, who are expected to be bused in daily.”
AlburyCity’s submission also highlighted pedestrian safety risks during and after construction, concerns over the doubling of hospital water and sewer capacity, and the need for more detail regarding the preliminary construction management plan.
Meanwhile, the Alliance is calling for comprehensive assessment of all environmental and infrastructure impacts before proceeding.
The redevelopment is supported by $558 million in combined funding from the NSW and Victorian Governments, with $20 million from the Australian Government. However, regional leaders and health professionals argue the investment lacks long-term vision and meaningful community consultation.
While the Northeast Building is a step towards the future seven-storey Clinical Services Building, expected to be completed by 2028, the Regional Alliance of Councils maintains only a new hospital on a greenfield site will adequately meet the region’s future healthcare needs.
Submissions to the NSW Government’s REF process closed on Friday 6 June.