Stage 2 of the Manning Hospital Redevelopment is moving forward, with the planning application now on public exhibition and the local community is encouraged to provide feedback.
The redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s $180 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project, which covers Taree and Forster-Tuncurry. The refurbished Manning Hospital aims to deliver a modern, purpose-built health facility that supports the delivery of high-quality care to the local community.
The project will include the construction of a new clinical services building with inpatient units, a Close Observation Unit to support cardiac patients, as well as a new mortuary, pharmacy, and pathology services. Enhanced connections will also be developed between the new facility and the existing hospital building.
Design plans also feature an additional level to allow for the future expansion of health services. A contemporary façade has been proposed to reflect the character of the region and “connect with Country”, alongside upgraded landscaping and external spaces designed to support the health and wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors.
Information sessions will be held to allow community members to meet the project team, ask questions and provide feedback on the redevelopment plans:
- Tuesday, 3 February 2026, 8:00am – 1:00pm at Manning Hospital Café, 26 York Street, Taree
- Thursday, 5 February 2026, 2:00pm – 8:00pm at Taree Central Shopping Centre, 60 Manning Street, Taree
In addition to the drop-in sessions, the public can view the Review of Environmental Factors and associated technical documents online. Submissions can be made via the Health Infrastructure website until 11:59pm on Friday, 13 February 2026.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the community’s input continues to play a vital role in shaping the redevelopment.
“The public exhibition of the planning application for the project and the appointment of the ECI contractor mark significant milestones for the hospital redevelopment and we’re grateful for the valuable input provided by staff and stakeholders in the planning process to date, which has helped shape this project,” Mr Park said.
He added that improved infrastructure would support better health service delivery across the region.
“It’s encouraging to see improved access around Manning Hospital and a better connectivity of health services, which will support communities across the Lower Mid North Coast region.
Hansen Yuncken has been appointed as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partner for the project. Under the ECI arrangement, the company will finalise the redevelopment design and delivery planning to ensure the project proceeds efficiently. This stage builds on enabling and demolition works completed in 2025. Construction timelines will be confirmed following planning approvals.
Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal MLC welcomed the public exhibition of the planning documents and encouraged the community to participate.
“It’s great to see the planning application on exhibition, and I encourage the local community to have their say on this important hospital redevelopment,” Ms Suvaal said.
“I am looking forward to seeing construction of the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment start soon now that the builder has been appointed.
“This redevelopment will be a great benefit to staff and the community providing additional treatment spaces and state-of-the-art new health facilities.”
Further work on developing a health service model for Forster-Tuncurry is continuing as part of the broader Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project.
More information is available at: nsw.gov.au/lower-mid-north-coast-service-project.
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