Families across the Clarence Valley are set to benefit from improved maternity care after the NSW Government committed an additional $20 million to fully fit out the new maternity unit at Grafton Base Hospital.
The funding, announced in the 2026–27 NSW Budget, brings the total investment in the hospital redevelopment to $283.8 million and ensures the new unit will open as a fully operational facility, rather than as a partially completed shell.
Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said the funding would deliver better care closer to home for local families and provide modern facilities for mothers, babies and healthcare workers.
“This additional funding ensures families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from a purpose-built maternity unit featuring dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation,” Williamson said.
“Since concerns were raised that only a ‘cold shell’ for the maternity unit would be built, I have worked tirelessly to ensure the fit-out was included as part of the redevelopment.
“I have raised this issue directly with the Minister for Health on numerous occasions because local mothers, babies and healthcare workers deserve access to modern, purpose-built maternity facilities from day one.
“This funding provides certainty for families across the Clarence Valley and means future generations will be able to access world-class maternity care closer to home.
“This is an outstanding outcome for our community and I am absolutely thrilled that we have secured this funding for local families.”
The investment means expectant mothers will have access to contemporary birthing rooms, improved inpatient accommodation and enhanced maternity services without needing to travel outside the region.
Williamson said the project would strengthen healthcare services across the Clarence Valley while helping meet the needs of a growing population.
“I want to thank Minister Park for working with me and responding to the strong case our community put forward,” he said.
“Completing the maternity unit during the current redevelopment is the most efficient, cost-effective and clinically appropriate approach.”
The redevelopment will also deliver broader benefits for the community, including an expanded emergency department and short stay unit, upgraded medical imaging services including MRI, additional inpatient beds, a new day surgery unit and two operating theatres.
Williamson also welcomed the appointment of Richard Crookes Constructions as the contractor for the main works phase of the redevelopment.
“The appointment of the main works contractor is another significant milestone and means our community will soon see major construction activity ramp up on site,” he said.
Construction of the maternity unit fit-out is expected to be completed by 2029, with maternity services continuing to operate from the existing unit during the works.
Grafton Hospital Community Committee spokesperson Ron Bell said the funding was a positive outcome for local families and healthcare services.
“We thank Minister Park for his decision to include this important facility in Stage 1 of the project,” Bell said.
“The committee also welcomes the appointment of the main works contractor and looks forward to construction commencing in the near future.”
Once complete, the redevelopment is expected to improve access to healthcare, reduce the need for patients to travel for treatment and provide modern facilities to support the region’s health needs for decades to come.
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