Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and Mayor Marianne Saliba met with health workers and union members outside the ageing facility, set to be redeveloped under a public-private partnership.

They called on the NSW Government for an ‘’immediate halt’’ to its plans, which have sparked rallies across the area since they were announced last September.

‘’I want the government to seriously consider the impact of their policy on the people of Shellharbour,’’ Councillor Saliba said. ‘’This is a flawed policy which has proven not to work elsewhere so why would we even consider starting it here?

‘’We have a large population of people who are not covered by private health insurance and stand to be unfairly impacted by this.’’

Cr Saliba said she was concerned about the impact on jobs, as well as patient services such as mental health.

‘’I don’t believe services such as these could run at a profit, so would a private operator continue to run them?’’ she asked.

Cr Bradbery said the plan would put added pressure on hospitals across the region.

‘’The population in our region is set to increase by 50,000 by 2050 so this asset is vital,’’ he said.

‘’I’m not against challenging the way we deliver health services, but I don’t believe we’re going in the right direction by selling off or privatising these assets.’’

Expressions of interest to run a redeveloped hospital have closed, and a number of bids have been received. 

Last month a delegation of nurses and doctors met with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to express concerns. 

Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said Mr Hazzard was carefully considering views – both for and against – the proposal.

‘’The minister has indicated he will not be rushed in his decision,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘’If the EOI process does not provide results which are in the best interests of public patients I won’t support the proposal either.’’

Mr Ward questioned the mayors’ motives in voicing their opposition to the plan.

‘’Perhaps they should think about sticking to local government issues, and I’ll continue to work with our community to make sure the minister is aware of their views,’’ he said.

‘’The mayors should continue to look after roads, rates and rubbish and leave the running of hospitals to state government.’’

However South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris welcomed the mayors’ support on the issue.

Mr Rorris said since the government ‘’dropped the bombshell’’ last year, they had not provided any information on how a public-private partnership would work.

‘’All too often we see privatisation happening this way, behind a veil of secrecy,’’ he said.

‘’The government says it’s due to commercial in confidence but as owners of this asset the public should have a right to know what’s happening.

‘’We say it should stay in public hands – the building, the staff, the services.’’

Health Services Union district organiser Renee Cross said unions representing hospital staff would be ‘’stepping up’’ their campaign in coming months to send a clear message to government.