Macquarie University have put forward a proposal to relocate Ryde Hospital onto its campus. Subject to some important conditions, I am very much in favour of this proposal. Allow me to explain.
Ryde is literally going through its own renaissance. The transformation to our local schools, our TAFE, our transport is simply unprecedented. The reformation of the West Ryde industrial and Sydney Water site will be stunning. The new Macquarie Ice rink will be amazing.
However, the Da Vinci of this renaissance will be Ryde Hospital.
Relocating Ryde Hospital to the Macquarie University campus, secures its future for hundreds of years. For starters, it will have the benefit of deep research from the University. It will also have collaboration opportunities from the high tech companies in Macquarie Park. It is centrally located with the North west Metro and the M2 right on its doorstep. It is literally next door to Macquarie Shopping Centre. Ryde Hospital at this new site will be very popular and much used.
The simple reality is, community assets that are in high demand will always attract more funding. So whilst this initial build of $479m will be impressive, the relocation to this new site guarantees a virtuous cycle of continual expansion and upgrades. I have no doubt that in decades to come it will grow into another Royal North Shore or a Westmead. It will be a profound legacy that we can all be proud of.
As it is a greenfield site, it will be easier and faster to build. There will be no need to move patients back and forth during various construction phases required at the current Denistone site.
However, my support is subject to the following conditions. Firstly, it must be a fully funded and serviced public hospital. Secondly, the current site at Denistone must remain in public hands. Not a blade of grass will be sold for development. Ideally allied health and increased parkland will remain a central feature of the site. Thirdly, the historic Denistone House must remain as critical heritage for our community.
Over the coming months there will be a lot more community consultation in relation to this proposal. I look forward to hearing from the community in this regard.
