The Nationals have already promised a $50 million redevlopment of the aging facility, a pledge that is not tied to the proposed lease of the metropolitan poles and wires, according to its candidate Melinda Pavey.

Labor’s Fran Armitage who is also standing for Oxley has also signalled that an ALP Government would revitalise the hospital.

And on Tuesday, the Greens reaffirmed their commitment - though rather than redevelopment they believe a $60 million new purpose-built facility is warranted.

Greens MLC John Kaye together with their Oxley candidate Carol Vernon said the new hospital could be funded by an increase on the tax rate on poker machines in “super-profitable clubs” and on the “windfall gains” of property speculators.

“The Greens have identified the funds to make a new well-equipped hospital for Macksville a reality,” Ms Vernon said.

“The failed Port Macquarie Hospital public-private partnership is a local example of why the Greens support publicly owned and operated health facilities.

“Health care is not a luxury. It should be funded through progressive tax revenue rather than abandoning patients and the community to the US model of user-pays. 

“Publicly owned and operated health is fairer and it delivers much better value for money.”

Mrs Pavey said the community could be assured that the money allocated for the redevelopment of Macksville Hospital was not reliant on the leasing of the city poles and wires.

“The Greens solution is always to increase taxes,” she said.

“We believe in good economic management and taking the hand-brake off business which is why this government has been responsible over the last four years in taking NSW from number eight to number one in the country.”