This Labor MPs in the Hunter seized on this saying it was too little.

Essentially the ALP representatives are pushing to fast track the planning, consultation, and site preparation for the project.

Let's look at what happened the last time Labor was in Government and took short cuts. 

Labor built a new hospital at Bathurst and didn't manage the project carefully.

When it opened, the emergency alarm system didn't work; sewage leaked in through the ceiling onto patients beds and into intensive care.

Pediactric and general surgery rooms were built too small and not to national guidelines. Some of the new buildings had to be modified.

The community of Maitland and lower Hunter deserve a safe, modern, comprehensive health service at a new hospital.

The staff deserve to work in a clean, functional, fit for purpose environment.

Labor is chasing a headline about the budget.

The NSW Liberal government is building a  $450 million hospital that will ably serve the region for decades.

Let's do the job properly, not for a self-serving political schedule.

Let’s see which hospital is built first. The planned state-of-the-art hospital for Western Sydney that was announced earlier this year or the Maitland one that was announced years ago.

Hahaha I will believe it when I see it. Won’t be holding my breath however.

When the government can see political advantage they fast-track. This is the obverse - a slow train to nowhere.

Travel through towns throughout NSW and you are greeted by Welcome signs.

Why is it that Maitland has no such signs?

 Since 2015 I’ve been asking Maitland Council this question and each time I have been told that these signs are not considered important enough to be placed in the budget for the year.

The message is that constructing these signs costs too much money and time.

Why is it that Cessnock and Port Stephens Councils have Welcome signs for each of the towns/villages in their zone?

Why do towns up and down the coast have beautiful signs?  

Surely, if they can afford to erect signs, then Maitland Council should be able to do the same.

It would be great if visitors and tourists to the Hunter Valley were greeted by welcoming signs when they approached Maitland.

If the signs gave enough information, people might consider stopping and visiting such an historic city.

Apparently, Maitland Council disagrees with my sentiments and dismisses my suggestions by saying that such signs have been discussed but no decisions have been made.

If the Council cannot afford this signage, then what is happening to the rates we pay? I know that the council provides services and this is a cost, but are they wasting money?

I mean, our waste is transported to Newcastle every day. That means wages for truck drivers, and that is a huge cost.

Is the Council upgrading and fixing up our streets and roads? Are the gutters being cleaned and swept?  

If the Council cannot erect two Welcome signs at either end of Maitland, then questions should be asked.