The proposal was initially put to the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel on April 13, however issues with a tight turning circle for service trucks meant a decision was deferred.

Health Infrastructure NSW has since purchased a home on a block of land to the east of the Balfour Street site, creating more space.

Greater Hume Council has advertised the latest development application, which is open for public feedback.

Environment and planning director Colin Kane said once all the feedback was received, the plan would be reconsidered by the panel.

“They are going to utilise the backyard of the land beside the hospital to give the manoeuvring areas needed, so trucks can leave in a forward direction,” he said.

“You can’t have trucks reversing out, it’s just too dangerous.

“They are very big linen trucks which need to manoeuvre.”

Projects above a $5 million threshold require the approval of council and the planning panel.

The final $18 million build at Culcairn Hospital and Kiltearn House would include seven inpatient beds, 16 residential aged care rooms, seven acute care bays, a community health facility and staff accommodation.

Culcairn Local Health Advisory Committee chairman David Gilmore urged community members to remain involved with the process.

“I would encourage residents to go and have a look at the plans at council – but I think the turning circle was the only real issue which needed resolving,” he said.

Separate to the application approval, Mr Gilmore said the committee would also continue to lobby for reinforced ceilings, allowing the use of overhead patient lifts at the centre.

Mr Gilmore said he had been in contact with Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Health Infrastructure NSW about the matter.

He said the group offered to raise money to pay for the extra equipment if needed.

“We have received some positive indication they are prepared to explore the option,” he said.

“Obviously, there will still need to be mobile lifts too.

“We will pursue it as far as necessary, we aren’t giving up on it.” 

The submission period concludes on September 5.