Ms Watson has obtained a copy of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District’s Asset Strategic Plan for the 10 years from July 2013 under Freedom of Information provisions.

She said although the plan provided detailed information on the planned upgrade of Shellharbour Hospital, the actual costings had been blacked out.

‘‘The minister has been in possession of this secret document since June 2013, and it provides quite detailed and comprehensive information in relation to the upgrade,’’ Ms Watson said.

‘‘However while it contains the actual costings, they’re hidden under little black boxes. We know that a significant investment is required for this upgrade, and I think the general population is entitled to know what that will be.’’

The report reveals new details about the proposed upgrade, which will take place over two phases. The first phase will include a new and expanded 25-space emergency department; the establishment of an eight-bed emergency medical unit and four new operating theatres.

It will also deliver 30 acute surgical inpatient beds; 72 acute medical inpatient beds; a new 15-space day surgery unit and a 12-bed integrated critical care unit.

According to the Asset Strategic Plan, the redevelopment of Shellharbour Hospital was necessary because of a projected 8per cent growth in population by 2021.

High levels of socio-economic disadvantage in the region were also noted, as well as an ageing population and increasing levels of chronic and complex conditions.

The plan states that the redevelopment was in line with the establishment of the hospital as a major health hub for the region.

As part of that, it recognised the need to rationalise services at Port Kembla and Kiama hospitals, by relocating services to Shellharbour. The relocation costs were also blacked out in the report.

However Ms Skinner said costings were redacted as a matter of course in such documents, where projects were yet to go to tender.

‘‘Project costings are not released for reasons of commercial confidence. This is usual practice, as Labor knows well,’’ she said.

“[Kiama MP] Gareth Ward is a passionate advocate for his community and has made representations on this issue, as has Liberal candidate for Shellharbour Mark Jones.’’

In the last state budget, $6.7million was allocated to allow construction to begin on Shellharbour Hospital’s ambulatory care unit.

Ms Watson has asked Ms Skinner to meet her and Mr Ward to discuss  details of the proposed costings and the timeline for the project.