I was excited to be part of the launch for the third stage of the $431 million Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment.

Works are set to begin in April, after the building contract was awarded to CPB Contractors.

This is a project I have been heavily invested in, since I ran for the state seat of Wagga Wagga in 2011.

It is gratifying to see this stage happening and it’s great to see the government delivering on the promised services.

Clearly there will be some challenges around parking across the two years of construction and the Health service is aware of that, but we do have the prospect of the promised car park at the end of that time. We have to manage that process very carefully, because I know the community are concerned and I share those concerns.

The current interest in the seat just goes to show the power of having an independent member of parliament. I welcome that interest and the resources that are being spent in the electorate. I think it’s fantastic.