Kiama MP Gareth Ward is championing a Private Members Bill aimed at ensuring all new and upgraded hospitals with emergency departments include a helipad as a standard feature.  

The proposal comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the new $780 million Shellharbour Hospital, currently under construction, which will lack a helipad upon its opening — a downgrade from the existing facility that has one.  

Mr. Ward described the omission as “madness,” arguing that helipads are vital for rapid emergency care. “The current Shellharbour Hospital has a helipad. The new hospital, which is costing taxpayers $780 million, will not. When seconds count, a helipad isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he said.  

His bill seeks to make helipads mandatory for all future hospital developments and renovations involving emergency departments. “It’s common sense, but the Minns Labor Government and Health Minister Ryan Park seem to disagree,” Mr. Ward added.  

Criticism was also levelled at the government’s alternative plan, which involves airlifting critical patients to Albion Park Airport and transporting them via road to the new hospital. Mr. Ward called the approach “completely impractical,” citing potential delays along key routes, including Dunmore Road and the Princes Highway.  

“What makes this even more absurd is that the government prioritised a cycleway strategy for the new hospital but couldn’t secure a helipad. Heart attack patients don’t need cycleways — they need immediate critical care,” he argued.  

Mr. Ward also criticised the Minns Government’s funding priorities, pointing to investments in events like UFC while essential infrastructure remains underfunded. “The Health Minister, who is also the Minister for the Illawarra, is failing our region. He can fix this now,” Mr. Ward said.  

The bill, Mr. Ward claimed, is not about political posturing. “If Labor confirms funding for a helipad at Shellharbour and commits to including helipads in future hospital builds and upgrades, I’ll withdraw this bill tomorrow,” he said.  

The debate over hospital infrastructure comes as healthcare services in the Illawarra face increasing scrutiny, with residents and advocates calling for improvements to meet growing demand.