Construction Begins on $801.9m Bundaberg Hospital Project in Queensland, Australia

The state government of Queensland, Australia, has announced the commencement of construction on the Bundaberg Hospital, a project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the Wide Bay region. With a hefty investment of A$1.2bn ($801.9m), the hospital is set to become a cornerstone of the community’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Bundaberg Hospital will boast over 400 beds, an expanded emergency department, 320 overnight beds, additional operating theatres, and various diagnostic and outpatient services. The facility will also include dedicated spaces for training, teaching, and research, further solidifying its role as a hub for healthcare excellence.

Not only will the hospital significantly increase the region’s bed capacity by 121, but it is also expected to generate around 2,887 local jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost to the area. The construction of the hospital is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, pending favorable weather and building conditions.

CPB Contractors, a subsidiary of CIMIC Group, has been entrusted with carrying out the early works, which involve earthworks, installing in-ground services, piling, and roadworks. This project is part of the Queensland government’s A$14bn Health Big Build scheme, which forms part of the broader Big Build initiative.

In addition to the hospital, plans are underway for a health and education precinct to cater to the growing needs of the community and stimulate the local economy. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman emphasized the importance of future-proofing healthcare infrastructure to accommodate the region’s projected population growth.

The commencement of the Bundaberg Hospital project marks a significant milestone in Queensland’s healthcare landscape, promising improved services, job opportunities, and long-term benefits for the Wide Bay community.