Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

New Moranbah Hospital Planned To Commence Early 2023

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick showing staff at Moranbah Hospital the plans for the new hospital with construction expected to start early next year

Construction for a new Moranbah Hospital is expected to commence early next year, with the new facility providing improved medical imaging facilities as well as a helipad.

Tenders have opened for the construction of the new Moranbah Hospital, which will deliver better health services in the heart of Queensland’s resources community.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the State Government was seeking a construction partner to commence work in the first half of 2023.

“The New Moranbah Hospital will be the bricks and mortar proof of our Government’s commitment to supporting Queensland resources communities,” the Treasurer said.

“The towns of the Bowen Basin deliver for the entire Queensland community through the royalties their mines generate.

“It is only right that those royalties are reinvested in our resources communities.

“With tenders now open, we will start seeing tangible proof of evidence of delivering better health services for the Moranbah community.

“The new Moranbah Hospital will increase the number of emergency department treatment spaces currently available and provide enhanced outpatient, allied health, community health, and community mental health spaces.

“The Moranbah community will benefit from improved medical imaging services including a CT scanner as well as a helipad to reduce reliance on ambulance services and make inter-hospital transfers more efficient.

“By integrating all services within a single building, we’ll also bolster amenities and security for staff and patients through improved patient flow, an airlock entrance, and replicating the existing hospital’s rose garden and family room.”

Subject to tender negotiations, the new Moranbah Hospital will support 102 construction jobs and is scheduled for completion by June 2025.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the Queensland Government's tender announcement was a positive commitment to health across the Isaac.

“Council, along with community, have worked hard to advocate for improved access to health services, so we are thrilled with today’s announcement," Mayor Baker said.

“The Moranbah Hospital upgrade will enable the facility to cater for the region well into the future and acting as a regional hub for neighbouring towns.

“The redevelopment will support residents, workers and the heavy industries that operate across the Isaac region with a fit for purpose facility.

"This is going to mean a significant improvement to the emergency department, dedicated mental health care and more specialist services available."

The Treasurer said progress was also being made on other health infrastructure projects in the Bowen Basin.

“A tender process is currently underway for upgrades to the Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service, which will support 68 construction jobs.

“Work is also continuing at pace on the redevelopment of the Emerald Hospital’s emergency department and day surgery, supporting 29 construction jobs.  

“In the June Budget, I also locked in the funding for our ten-year $334 million deal between the Queensland Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”

The Moranbah Hospital tender is live on QTenders and closes on 9 December 2022.

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