MEMBER for Albury Greg Aplin has returned serve to potential NSW election rival and Albury mayor Kevin Mack once again.
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An upgrade to Nolan House is the latest issue on which Mr Aplin has felt the need to publicly respond to comments made by Cr Mack.
Cr Mack, who opted not to take on the long-serving member for Albury at the last election, told television news this week of his concerns about giving “people false hope” on Nolan House with no confirmed funding for the $20 million upgrade.
Mr Aplin hit back on Friday declaring Nolan House was a “key priority” and funding would be forth-coming once detailed planning had been done.
Again, I ask that the media go-to commentators, talking on government matters outside their area of knowledge or responsibility, need to get their facts right
- Greg Aplin
“Recent ill-informed comments placing doubts on the project are a reflection of local politics and individuals when dealing with such an important project for the most vulnerable in our community,” Mr Aplin said.
“Again, I ask that the media go-to commentators, talking on government matters outside their area of knowledge or responsibility, need to get their facts right.
“I am happy to assist them with gaining that knowledge.
“I have been working on the redevelopment of Nolan House for an extensive period of time with the minister for health, minister for mental health and the treasurer to secure this priority project under this program.”
Cr Mack said Mr Aplin was jumping at shadows and revealed he had pulled out of a planned visit to Nolan House on Thursday due to pressure applied on Albury Wodonga Health by the government.
“There are still no funds committed to Nolan House,” he said.
“All they’ve said is that it is a priority and they have $700 million to spend on mental health.
“It is still rhetoric and fresh air at this point.
“They are taking early shots, but I don’t care, let them go.
“All they are doing is dragging me into a sensitive issue and I don’t want a bar of it.
“It is childish and I just made a comment on behalf of my community which I am entitled to do.”
Mr Aplin accused Cr Mack of hatching a plan with Cr Darren Cameron as the Labor candidate in the 2015 election.