Negotiations to commence for doctor’s surgery
Wednesday October 29, 2008
In an effort to provide a council-subsidised medical facility for Dr Indra Karalasingham, Cobar Shire Council is hoping to negotiate the lease of Dr Janak Jayatilake’s former surgery in Harcourt Street.
Councillors resolved to attempt to secure a long term lease of the building, which was sold by council to Dr Jayatilake a number of years ago.
If a lease is secured, council will offer the surgery to Dr Karalasingham at a subsidised rent similar to the Cobar Primary Health Care Centre and 24 Harcourt Street premises.
Council’s general manager Ray Smith said at this stage, he understands Dr Jayatilake has no plans to sell the surgery.
If he did sell, council would invoke a clause made when the property was sold to Dr Jayatilake which entitled council to first right of refusal.
Cr Peter Yench said the aim was to get Dr Karalasingham a surgery premises “as quickly as possible”.
Council was last week informed by
the Outback Division of General Practice
that Dr Karalasingham would not be able to rent a room at 24 Harcourt Street’s surgery premises.
A resolution was also passed to carry out a feasibility study on building a transportable structure for use as a surgery at a council owned residence in Linsley Street.
Cr Greg Martin made the suggestion at a previous council meeting.
“A portable building could be a speedy alternative,” he said.
In his report to council, Mr Smith pointed out that council currently does not have funds in the current budget to purchase and fit out a house as a surgery.
Councillors also resolved to make an attempt to find council housing for Dr Karalasingham, or failing that to negotiate with the local mines to find suitable housing.
Next story | News home
