The long-awaited redevelopment program is costing NSW taxpayers $3.2 million, funds that were approved in Premier Iemma’s 2006-07 budget brought down last May.

General Manager of Bowral Hospital Mr Denis Thomas said the refurbishment was great news for Southern Highlands families

“The new facility will be able to match the high-level of service it provides to the local community,” said Mr Thomas.

And the BDCU Children’s Foundation said yesterday it was overwhelmed to learn that the State Government had approved funding for the refurbishment.

The $3.2 million redevelopment will start almost immediately, with tenders being called next week.

“The first stage of the redevelopment project is expected to be complete by March next year, with the whole project scheduled for completion in March 2009,” said Ms Meagher.

The development approval by Ms Meagher follows the Southern Highland News’ stance in last Friday’s paper in which we said the Health Minister should go because of the lengthy delay in rubber-stamping the $3 million redevelopment.

It also follows calls from local Member Pru Goward who has been a constant thorn in Reba Meagher’s side since the redevelopment funds were included in Mr Iemma’s current-year budget.

“All I can say is thank God – its only taken five years of lobbying and community fund-raising that has put the Iemma government to shame,” said Ms Goward.

Ms Meagher yesterday said the redeveloped Paediatric Unit at the Bowral hospital would include two single isolation rooms for the care of children with infectious diseases.