Committee to look at replacing Kingston health centre

THE decision on whether a new $6.5 million Kingston health centre will go ahead is in the hands of a parliamentary standing committee on public works.

The committee will today begin an inquiry into the replacement of the existing Kingston Community Health Centre.

Chairwoman Joan Rylah MP said the public works committee would canvas a range of views through public hearings and site inspections.

“The committee will then evaluate the evidence presented to it and come to a decision as to whether or not the works should proceed,” the Braddon Liberal MHA said.

Ms Rylah said Parliament went through the public works committee process for projects worth more than $5 million. She said the committee could accept or reject the project but was unable to modify it.

The health centre is part of a bigger plan for a $90 million Kingston Park development planned for the disused former high school site.

She said the committee welcomed public input and invited interested individuals and organisations to attend the public hearing.

The new health centre would serve the present needs of the Kingborough and Huon Valley communities as well as allowing for future growth and expansion.

The committee will hold a site inspection at the old Kingston High School site at 11.30am before adjourning to a public hearing at 1pm at the Parliament Square Building.