Goulburn, the city, will no doubt decide the outcome of the March 28 election, being the major centre and hometown of key candidates Liberal incumbent Pru Goward and former senator, Labor’s Ursula Stephens.

And both know that with the redistribution south west, the anti Abbott factor and the fallout from the Queensland LNP demolition, there’s a strong chance Goulburn will become a marginal seat.

Goulburn, the city, has been crying out for a new hospital for at least a decade.

There is every indication of an imminent announcement from Ms Goward and her health minister that, should she retain the seat (and the Coalition stays in power), Goulburn will get its new base hospital.

Ms Goward told us last week that funding for the project would not be dependent on the proposed State poles and wires selloff (sans Essential Energy).

Dr Stephens, could, however pre-empt her with an equally as enticing package should she and her party sweep to power.

Any hospital promise (actually .. .we want a written guarantee) must come with assurances that, meantime, the government, whoever it is, will invest more to recruit and retain medical specialists in Goulburn.

It’s idealistic to think both these high-calibre candidates would come to a bipartisan arrangement on the hospital whoever wins the seat.

But that’s what should happen, allowing them - along with fellow candidates Iain Fyfe (Greens), Adrian Van Der Byl (Christian Democratic Party) and Wal Ashton (Outdoor Recreation Party) - to campaign on points of difference on the following key election issues confronting Goulburn, the city:

1/ The future of the TAFE campus and its courses

2/ Rail electrification - or at least - improved services

3/ State funding for Goulburn Mulwaree’s $40m wastewater treatment plant

4/ Nurse to patient ratios

5/ Local government reform

6/ Renewable energy industry investment

7/ 5 - 10 year plans for Correctional Centre and Police Academy

8/ Goulburn - Crookwell Rail trail

There are myriad other issues candidates could address - such as road maintenance funding to match the increasingly active quarrying industry and tackling rising gas prices (which affect colder climate districts more).

It shouldn’t be just about the hospital.

The candidate who throws all their eggs into that basket, as important as it is, could be disappointed.

It’s about not being complacent and appealing to all voters, whatever their political creed.

The Goulburn Post is hosting a special Meet The Candidates night on Friday, March 13 (from 6pm) at the Workers Club.