The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:13): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)The Maitland Mercury on 24 January 2025 reported that consultation on the future of the old Maitland Hospital site was to begin before mid-2025, following statements by the member for Maitland that community consultation would occur prior to June 2025;

(b)it has now been over three years since the majority of the former Maitland Hospital campus ceased operation following the relocation to the new Metford facility, and the High Street site has remained largely unused apart from limited community and mental health functions;

(c)Councillor Mitchell Griffin and Mayor Philip Penfold of Maitland City Council have since publicly called on the Government to initiate the long-promised consultation process and begin planning for the site's future, citing growing community concern that the precinct risks falling into disrepair;

(d)the community has expressed strong interest in contributing ideas for adaptive re-use of the historic hospital site, which has served the Maitland region since the 1840s; and

(e)the Hunter New England Local Health District has stated that the site's future use will be determined in line with New South Wales Government policies and guidelines, with local stakeholders to be consulted.

(2)That this House:

(a)acknowledges the historical and civic significance of the old Maitland Hospital site to the Hunter community;

(b)calls on the Government and Minister for Health to expedite the commencement of genuine consultation and planning for the site's redevelopment;

(c)urges that any future use of the site preserve its heritage character while providing tangible community benefit; and

(d)recognises the leadership of Maitland City Council, Mayor Philip Penfold and Councillor Mitchell Griffin in advocating for timely action and community involvement in shaping the site's future.

Motion agreed to.