But where in the shire could it go? The Bay Post/Moruya Examiner hit the streets to ask the community for their most creative solutions.

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Anthony Patrizi had a fresh idea for an old site – he says the derelict Batemans Bay bowling club would be ideal for a new regional hospital.

“There’s a beautiful view of the lake, it’s a nice peaceful area, it’s flat and accessible, there’s plenty of parking and plenty of room,” he said.

“I know they have other projections for it, but I think it would work.”

Builder Geoff Fielding says there’s more to choosing the site for a new regional hospital than location.

“It really doesn’t matter whether it’s in the Bay or Moruya,” Mr Fielding said. “It’s 20 minutes from one to the other – people in Sydney are often two hours from a regional hospital because of traffic. The old saw mill site has brilliant views, or the acreage between Mogo and Tomakin.”

Stacey Voller says it’s important to remember current services when planning for a regional hospital.

“I would have to go for Mogo,” she said. 

“It could become an extension of the private hospital. My concern is what happens to the two small hospitals we already have, what happens to staffing. When they closed the maternity unit in Batemans Bay there was an influx to other hospitals.”