Griffith City Council is inviting the community to share their views on governance arrangements for Griffith Base Hospital and health services in the Western Riverina.
Community discussion, including a recent rally advocating for an independent health district, has raised concerns about the current model for allocating resources and staff at Griffith Base Hospital.
The $250 million Griffith Base Hospital opened in June 2025 and is managed by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), which oversees 33 public hospitals across more than 125,000 square kilometres.
At its 23 September 2025 meeting, Council resolved to begin community and stakeholder engagement, including:
- A survey of Griffith and surrounding residents, open until Friday 31 October 2025
- Consultation with local health professionals and First Nations leaders
- A request for data from MLHD on Griffith residents' use of Wagga Base Hospital services.
- Request a meeting with the NSW Minister for Health, The Hon. Ryan Park, MP.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said, Council's role is to listen to the community and ensure those voices are represented.
"Council has no role in health service delivery, but we do have a role in making sure residents' views are heard. The survey will allow more residents that may not have been available when the rally was held or who are seeking more information to provide Council with valuable feedback," Councillor Curran said.
"This engagement process is about gathering evidence. Once we have that information, Council will be in a better position to decide whether to adopt a formal advocacy role with the State Government."
The results of the engagement process will be reported back to Council within two months.
The community survey is now available at:
