SITE FOR SUNSHINE COAST’S NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

A site has been chosen for the Beattie Government’s new $45 million community health precinct at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson told State Parliament that Queensland Health will build the new centre on a 4.9 hectare parcel of land on Dalton Drive at Maroochydore.

“$14.74 million has to date been committed towards this election commitment project which is scheduled for completion in 2009,” he said.

“I’m advised the purchase of the land, conveniently located near transport services, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.”

The community health centre will complement Nambour and Caloundra hospitals and

provide a wide range of first-class health services including:

·specialist outpatient clinics,

·antenatal clinics,

·community rehabilitation programs,

·screening programs,

·child and youth health,

·mental health,

·oral health, and

·clinics and programs to prevent and better manage people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiac diseases.

Hundreds of clients, ranging from young children to the elderly, will receive services through the centre on a daily basis.

Several hundred staff will also be based at the centre which will also provide outreach services throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Robertson said the project was another example of how improved public health services were emerging on the Sunshine Coast.

“Last week, I announced the new $940 million Sunshine Coast tertiary hospital planned for Kawana is being considered as a potential public-private-partnership project.

“The project will now be assessed through a business case development to determine whether private sector involvement is in the best interests of Queensland taxpayers and Government services.

“At this stage, we are investigating whether construction and maintenance could be delivered through a PPP.

“But it’s got to stack up because our objective is to get a good deal for taxpayers.

“Over the next 12 months we’ll look at it all the options and develop a business case.

“If we can achieve value for money through a PPP then we will pursue that option.“

Mr Robertson said another Sunshine Coast development on the move was the $25 million Caloundra Hospital redevelopment which was expected to start within six months.

“The Queensland Government has appointed Ranbury Management Group as project managers to progress the development,” he said.

“The project will deliver an additional 30 beds to ensure Caloundra Hospital continues to meet growing demand for health services on the Sunshine Coast.

“This development – along with an additional 60 beds at Nambour Hospital – will give Queensland Health the capacity to deliver more timely and improved health services before the new Sunshine Coast Hospital comes is completed in 2014.”

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190