Farmers plan new hospital protest

FARMING groups are plannin to protest against the Tweed Valley Hospital, as rigs move on the Cudgen site.

Preparation works for the controversial $543 million hospital build have begun with geotechnical investigations.

The work involves a number of rigs which will take soil samples, with results informing the planning process for the new hospital.

It is understood the sale of the property is yet to be finalised.

Relocate Tweed Hospital organiser Hayley Paddon said the group were still working to move the build from the Cudgen site, despite the NSW Government’s confirmation of the build last month.

Farmers in the area have argued against the move, as the build would take place on State Significant Farming land. Ms Paddon said the group was now organising a peaceful demonstration on the site.

“People are getting pretty angry,” Ms Paddon said.

“There has been no consultation at all.”

A health infrastructure spokesman said the work on the Cudgen site was expected to have little impact on neighbours or farming.