Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre shaping up to be number one election issue

The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA) hosted a candidates forum on Thursday, providing a platform for people running in the election to speak directly to voters.

Before the first question was out, candidates were already making it clear that the proposed medical centre must be a priority for the next council term.

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As the project has been deemed a state significant development, It will be the state government that ultimately determines the forthcoming development application (DA).

However, candidates acknowledge the council has a big role to play in lobbying for the project and conveying the wishes of the community to the development consortium.

Councillor Warren Aubin, who is running for a fourth term on a ticket of five, has stated that improving health services is a priority for him.

He continues to be a staunch supporter of the proposed medical centre, touting the benefits it would bring to Bathurst.

"This community deserves better, we need better and we are going to get better. The new medical centre that is proposed for the old Clancy Motors site, that is going to help greatly with this problem, because we're going to find the specialists that move into that area will flow on and operate in the public arena," he said.

"... It's a great development, as well as the economic boost for the city, which will be millions a year."

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Current councillors Bobby Bourke and Alex Christian backed the proposal in their opening addresses, too, as did candidate Marg Hogan.

While largely supportive of the concept, she felt the developers could still make a few tweaks to make the building more acceptable.

"I want you to know that our team are strong supporters of the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre. We have been from the get-go," she said. "We're happy with the site, we're happy with the height. The one thing we hope that developers are listening to the community about is the facade.

"We'd like it softened a little bit, exactly as they've been able to do for the community in Albury, and I don't think that's too much to ask."

Candidates were asked what council would do if the development did not occur, given a key promise has been a flow-on effect that would attract new business.

Jeff Muir, a solo candidate, said council would have to make it easier to establish or improve businesses.

"Whether the medical centre goes ahead or not ... I don't think much will change in terms of the vacant shops in town until such time as our council and our councillors do something about the incredible amount of bureaucracy and red tape [business owners] have to face every day stepping inside that door," he said.

"... What I stand for is actually removing red tape so people can actually spend their money in retail outlets, build businesses and bring jobs to town."

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