Early works commence on New Bundaberg Hospital

Early works on the $1.2 billion New Bundaberg Hospital site have now started.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath was joined by local Bundaberg MP Tom Smith and said the early works marked the start of the biggest health investment the Wide Bay region had ever seen.

“Initial access to the new hospital site will be via an extension of Johanna Boulevard near Eggmolesse Street, within an already dedicated road corridor,” Minister D’Ath said.

“I’m pleased to announce that local contractor, RoadTek Wide Bay, will deliver these works to extend Johanna Boulevard.

“Motorists travelling in the area will start to see a hive of activity occurring in the coming months including clearing and earthworks to construct the new sealed access road.

“In parallel, the project team is also progressing the project through a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) – an efficient, coordinated process used to assist the development of community infrastructure like hospitals and schools.

“Undertaking these essential works alongside the MID process will enable the main works contractor for the new hospital to hit the ground running, once appointed in the new year.

“The New Bundaberg Hospital will increase capacity and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for more specialist care, so more locals can receive care closer to home.

“Wide Bay residents can look forward to 121 extra beds as part of the new hospital – an increase in bed capacity of nearly 50 per cent.

“The New Bundaberg Hospital project forms part of the biggest hospital building program in the state’s history, with the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan delivering $9.78 billion in additional capital funding earlier this year.”

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the whole of Bundaberg will be excited to see works starting on the New Bundaberg Hospital site.

“Delivering the new Bundaberg Hospital is a commitment that I made to the people of Bundaberg,” Mr Smith said.

“With the first works now underway, our community can see firsthand concrete beginning of that promise.

“From allocating the land, to securing the $1.2 billion investment, today is the day that we begin works on the largest infrastructure project in the history of the Wide Bay.

“The new hospital will undoubtedly deliver enormous health benefits through improved and expanded services, including an expanded emergency department, and enhanced medical, surgical and mental health services.

“Construction of the new hospital will also provide a huge boost for our local economy, creating approximately 2,887 jobs during construction.”

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson said that it was an exciting time for Wide Bay residents, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service and the Board.

“This landmark hospital project is certainly the talk of the town at the moment,” Ms Jamieson said.

“What I’m hearing is that our community is excited for the significant boost our regional healthcare system will receive, industry is excited for the long-term economic benefits the project will bring and people within and outside of our region are excited for future career opportunities.”

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll echoed that sentiment.

“I also want to thank the project team for its dedicated efforts in reaching this important milestone, along with Bundaberg Regional Council and other local utility providers for their ongoing assistance and collaborative approach to getting these works under way,” Ms Carroll said.

Road users on Johanna Boulevard and Eggmolesse Street may experience changed traffic conditions, and they are reminded to follow the direction of traffic control and signage.

The new hospital is expected to open in the second half of 2027.

ENDS

Media contact: Cullen Robinson 0418 170 474