BLIGH GOVT SECURES LAND FOR GOLD COAST SALVOS, NEW HOSPITAL ON TRACK

The State Government has purchased a Molendinar property to provide a new base for the Salvation Army as the new Gold Coast University Hospital site is progressively vacated, Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Robertson told State Parliament the 4,050 square-metre industrial property on 3 Precision Drive offered a first-class home for the Army’s warehouse and distribution operations.

“The Salvation Army is one of a few organisations currently occupying Government-owned land destined for the new tertiary hospital at Parklands Drive, Southport,” he said.

“A hospital project of this size involves careful planning, extensive discussions, and a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

“The Bligh Government has been in amicable negotiations with the Salvation Army over some time to find a suitable relocation site and the $3.4 million purchase of the Molendinar property is a win for both parties.

“The Salvation Army provides an amazing service in the region and they can now start planning for their relocation to Molendinar where they will continue under similar tenure arrangements to their current site.

“I’m advised the new site offers facilities at least equal to, if not better, than their current site.

“Negotiations with the group continue regarding their drug and alcohol rehabilitation service which is also currently based on the Parklands site.

“Negotiations are also continuing with other active leaseholders and we’re progressively providing replacement sites and facilities for all those currently residing on the hospital site, whilst ensuring minimal disruption to their services.

Mr Lawlor said last month an agreement was reached with the Church of Christ – a current landholder - regarding an alternative site within the local area, on land currently owned by Griffith University.

“Interim arrangements have also been agreed for a temporary child care centre on land managed by the Parklands Trust,” Mr Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said the $1.55 billion, 750-bed hospital project was on track for a 2012 opening.

“There have been many complex issues we’ve had to consider and negotiate during the planning of a hospital of this sheer size,” he said.

“In addition to extensive negotiations with leaseholders, the State Government has been busy undertaking extensive planning to give shape to the Gold Coast University Hospital.

“The project team is currently undertaking the schematic design phase which is about turning the original brief for the hospital into a plan for how the final hospital will look.

“After schematic design is completed in September this year, 150 people in various planning groups who are currently dedicated to planning and designing the new hospital will commence the detailed design phase.

“Construction is expected to commence on the Parklands Drive site in mid-2009, with early works towards the end of this year.

“The new hospital, when it opens its doors in late 2012, will significantly improve Queensland Health’s capacity to meet the health needs of the rapidly expanding Gold Coast region.

“We will fully deliver on our election commitment to the people of the Gold Coast.”

4 June, 2008
MEDIA:
Minister Robertson’s Office: Martin Philip 3225 2680
Member for Southport’s Office: 5532 5068