He says the decision of where to locate it must be made “equitably”.

“I’m extremely happy – it gives some certainty the hospital may be built,” Dr Starmer said.

“A regional hospital would allow critical hospital work to be done better, provide more services and provide equitable access – regardless of where it is located.

“The site planner has to make the decision equitably – it’s a planning decision.

“The clinical services plan is in place, and the next step is the actual plans.

“It’s early days yet, but this is a welcome step in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, readers have strong feelings about where the hospital should be located.

Moruya resident Stuart Maddison thinks that town makes the most sense.

“I believe the new Eurobodalla Hospital should be in Moruya, as this is the middle of the Eurobodalla Shire,” Mr Maddison said.

“Common sense, really.”

Andrew Bain agrees.

“The hospital should be at Moruya,” Mr Bain said.

“(It is) reasonably central in the shire, within 40 minutes’ drive from almost anywhere within the shire and would allow maximum use of existing facilities.

“This will be a better service than available for most NSW people.”

However, North Batemans Bay resident Sue Curby disagrees.

”The hospital should be in the Bay,” Mrs Curby said.

“We have greater need and a higher amount of residents.”

Catalina resident Allan Brown says the new hospital must be linked to improved highway infrastructure.

“Those using the new facility will generally need to travel by road or roads to visit and use what it provides,” Mr Brown said.

“The shire is in the main serviced by the Princes Highway, a highway that is in need of a lot of attention and re-routing with town bypasses.

“Some traffic problems are directly linked to traffic lights causing congestion, as is the case in Moruya.

“Can we expect some announcements soon on how the Princes Highway will be upgraded in the shire?”

Where do you think the new hospital should go?

Email your thoughts to kerrie.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au