Tweed Shire Council refer local hospital build to NSW Ombudsman

The controversial Tweed Valley Hospital build has been referred to the state’s watchdog after months of protests and controversy.

Works have well and truly begun on the $534 million Tweed Valley Hospital site at Cudgen.

THE controversial Tweed Valley Hospital build has been referred to the state’s watchdog after months of protests and controversy.

At an Extraordinary Meeting of Tweed Council held Thursday afternoon, four of the seven councillors resolved to refer the planning process of the $534 million hospital to the NSW Ombudsman.

Works have well and truly begun on the $534 million Tweed Valley Hospital site at Cudgen.

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This is not the first time the Council has raised concerns about the project which is already underway.

In November last year Mayor Katie Milne called for a black ban on contractors and tradies who applied for work on the site.

Protest outside the site of the new Tweed Valley Hospital at Cudgen. Photo Scott Powick

A month later the council called for a work stop at Tweed Hospital as the hospital did not comply with the local government’s planning scheme.

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During the meeting Thursday the council noted their “continuing concerns about the process undertaken for the preliminary works” and instead argued the works should have been part of a State Significant Development Application.

Council also confirmed it will not be pursuing legal action or proceeding with legal advice at this stage.

The vote was 4-3, with Councillors Katie Milne, Chris Cherry, Reece Byrnes and Ron Cooper in favour and Councillors James Owen, Warren Polglase and Pryce Allsop against.