Member for Murray Helen Dalton, who is spearheading the push for a new Western Riverina Local Health District, announced the petition had been tabled in Parliament, triggering a mandatory parliamentary debate on the issue.
The proposal would see a new health district established and administered from Griffith, separating the Western Riverina from the current Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which is based in Wagga Wagga.
Mrs Dalton said the campaign was about ensuring healthcare decisions were made closer to the communities they impact.
“This isn't just about Griffith,” she said.
“It's about Deniliquin, Leeton, Hay, Finley and communities right across our region.
“It's about making sure our communities' health needs are properly understood, that decisions are made closer to the people they affect, and that we have a real say in how healthcare is delivered.”
The petition follows recent momentum for the proposal, with a parliamentary inquiry recommending Mrs Dalton's Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District) Bill 2025 proceed to a vote in Parliament.
If passed, the legislation would create a standalone Western Riverina Local Health District encompassing communities across the region, including Deniliquin.
Mrs Dalton said regional communities had long voiced concerns that healthcare planning and decision-making was too far removed from local needs.
“We know the challenges our communities face.
“We know what services we're missing. And we know the difference it would make to get more care closer to home.”
While support has been strongest in Griffith, Edward River Council adopted what it described as an “agnostic” position during the inquiry.
However, the council acknowledged health infrastructure and services across the region had failed to keep pace with community expectations and that urgent action was required.
Mrs Dalton thanked the thousands of residents who signed and shared the petition or helped collect signatures.
The Bill is expected to be considered by NSW Parliament following the inquiry's recommendation that it proceed to a vote.
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