NEW PREFERRED SITE FOR GOLD COAST HOSPITAL
Published Wednesday, 22 August, 2007 at 10:06 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Premier Peter Beattie announced in Parliament today that consultation would begin immediately on an alternative site for the new $1.23 billion, 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital.
Mr Beattie said detailed investigations had found that building the hospital at the northern end of Parkland Drive would avoid the need to spend more than an additional $260 million in transport infrastructure costs while still ensuring the new facility remains integrated with the Griffith University campus.
“As is the normal process, detailed studies by the Office of Urban Management have found that - while the original site was more than adequate for the project - there is potential to avoid spending more than an additional quarter of a billion dollars with this alternative site and it would be irresponsible of this government not to consider it,” Mr Beattie said.
“OUM found that not only will the proposed new location improve existing and future transport access at a much lower cost, it will allow for more flexibility in how the hospital campus grows.
“It will also enhance integration with the planned Gold Coast Rapid Transit project and deliver an improved flight path for emergency helicopters away from local residents,” he said.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said Gold Coast Members had been briefed on the details of this proposal and consultations would begin immediately with affected landholders.
“Queensland Health and the Department of Infrastructure will begin consultation with Griffith University, the Gold Coast City Council, the Salvation Army, the Church of Christ and the Parklands Trust,” Mr Robertson said.
“The Gold Coast Members’ primary concern was that there would be no delay in the delivery of this hospital. They also wanted to ensure that the important link with the University was maintained to ensure research and training synergies.
“The Premier and I have assured them that there will be no delay in the delivery of the Gold Coast University Hospital. It will be delivered by late 2012 as per our 2006 Election Commitment.
Mr Robertson said the Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor had also stressed the need for appropriate support and fair compensation for the affected landholders.
“As a result, Queensland Health and the Department of Infrastructure will ensure this is part of the early consultation process to reassure stakeholders that the Government will support them through this process.”
The Parklands Drive site is currently occupied by a range of facilities, including a Church of Christ church, a warehouse and drug rehabilitation facility run by the Salvation Army and a greyhound track and car park operated by the Parklands Trust.
“We will also continue the negotiations with Griffith University on the relocation of the existing medical and dental schools adjacent to the new hospital and carefully plan to minimise transport impacts around the university campus,” Mr Robertson said.
“The new hospital’s location close to the university will create an ideal environment for producing the state’s new crop of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.”
ENDS
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3234 1190 (Minister Robertson’s office)
Mr Beattie said detailed investigations had found that building the hospital at the northern end of Parkland Drive would avoid the need to spend more than an additional $260 million in transport infrastructure costs while still ensuring the new facility remains integrated with the Griffith University campus.
“As is the normal process, detailed studies by the Office of Urban Management have found that - while the original site was more than adequate for the project - there is potential to avoid spending more than an additional quarter of a billion dollars with this alternative site and it would be irresponsible of this government not to consider it,” Mr Beattie said.
“OUM found that not only will the proposed new location improve existing and future transport access at a much lower cost, it will allow for more flexibility in how the hospital campus grows.
“It will also enhance integration with the planned Gold Coast Rapid Transit project and deliver an improved flight path for emergency helicopters away from local residents,” he said.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said Gold Coast Members had been briefed on the details of this proposal and consultations would begin immediately with affected landholders.
“Queensland Health and the Department of Infrastructure will begin consultation with Griffith University, the Gold Coast City Council, the Salvation Army, the Church of Christ and the Parklands Trust,” Mr Robertson said.
“The Gold Coast Members’ primary concern was that there would be no delay in the delivery of this hospital. They also wanted to ensure that the important link with the University was maintained to ensure research and training synergies.
“The Premier and I have assured them that there will be no delay in the delivery of the Gold Coast University Hospital. It will be delivered by late 2012 as per our 2006 Election Commitment.
Mr Robertson said the Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor had also stressed the need for appropriate support and fair compensation for the affected landholders.
“As a result, Queensland Health and the Department of Infrastructure will ensure this is part of the early consultation process to reassure stakeholders that the Government will support them through this process.”
The Parklands Drive site is currently occupied by a range of facilities, including a Church of Christ church, a warehouse and drug rehabilitation facility run by the Salvation Army and a greyhound track and car park operated by the Parklands Trust.
“We will also continue the negotiations with Griffith University on the relocation of the existing medical and dental schools adjacent to the new hospital and carefully plan to minimise transport impacts around the university campus,” Mr Robertson said.
“The new hospital’s location close to the university will create an ideal environment for producing the state’s new crop of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.”
ENDS
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3234 1190 (Minister Robertson’s office)