Yeppoon's new $20 million health precinct a step closer

Construction is advancing on Yeppoon’s new state-of-the-art hospital, as the Bligh Government ramps up its expansion of health services on the Capricorn Coast.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and State Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan were in Yeppoon today to inspect work on the new $20.6 million project, which will deliver residents a modern health precinct on Hoskyn Drive.

The new health service will replace the old hospital building on Anzac Parade, which opened in 1977.

Mr Robertson said the new heath precinct would house Community, Mental and Oral Health facilities on the same site as the hospital campus.

“It’s exciting to see construction work progressing on this important new health project in Yeppoon,” he said.

“Concrete slabs have been poured and steel framework is being erected, and we expect the project to be finished by April next year.

“This new health precinct is about planning for the future and managing growth on the Capricorn Coast.

“We’ve planned this precinct with input from key stakeholders to ensure locals get modern new health facilities, with further room to expand.

“The new hospital will provide a total of 34 beds - 22 for inpatients and 12 day beds.

“A General Practitioner’s private practice has been incorporated in the plan, and the design takes into account the possibility of future expansion – including the ability to accept a private co-location facility if required.”

Mr Hoolihan said the new health precinct was positioned to cater for rapid population growth on the Capricorn Coast.

“As well as being close to the centre of Yeppoon, the new health precinct is also next to the highway to Rockhampton – making the transfer of patients between Rockhampton Hospital and Capricorn Coast Health Service easier.

“The site also provides easier access to the fast-growing southern end of the Capricorn Coast, including Emu Park and Zilzie.”

The Bligh Government has committed to itself to improve the access to health services in the district with:

-$77.4 million Rockhampton Hospital improvement project
-$8.4 million Rockhampton Hospital staff accommodation
-$7.4 million Rockhampton oral health upgrade
-$14.75 million Gladstone community, mental and oral health consolidation, and
-$1.5 million Moura Private Practice Clinic.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008