Main construction has officially begun on the $283.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital, delivering what locals are calling a once-in-a-generation investment in their community’s health.
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said the sod-turn was a milestone worth celebrating right across the region.
“This is a great day for Grafton and communities right across the Clarence Valley,” Mr Williamson said.
“For decades, our community has wanted to see Grafton Base Hospital receive the investment it needs to provide modern healthcare facilities for our growing region. Today we can finally see that investment becoming a reality.”
“This $283.8 million redevelopment is the largest public health investment ever made in the Clarence Valley and will deliver a hospital designed to meet the needs of our community now and well into the future.”
The redevelopment was first committed to by the former NSW Liberal-Nationals Government, with $263.8 million allocated in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. The project has since grown to $283.8 million after a further $20 million was added for maternity services.
Mr Williamson said he was pleased the current government had carried the project through to construction.
“I want to acknowledge the former Liberal-Nationals Government for making the original commitment to this redevelopment, and I’m pleased the current Government has continued to fulfil that commitment,” he said.
“This is not about politics today. This is about delivering for the people of the Clarence Valley and making sure our community has the health facilities it deserves.”
The rebuild will deliver a new multi-storey acute services building, with an expanded Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, inpatient services and maternity services. Operating theatre capacity will grow from three theatres to five.
The extra $20 million for maternity services was a personal priority for Mr Williamson.
“I have been very clear that maternity needs to be an important part of this redevelopment, so it is fantastic to see an additional $20 million being invested to deliver a purpose-built maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation,” he said.
“For families in the Clarence Valley, having modern maternity facilities close to home matters enormously.”
“This investment will provide our local mums and babies with a purpose-built facility and give our maternity staff a contemporary environment in which to provide care.”
The project will also bring improved ambulance access via Queen Street, additional parking and new outdoor courtyards. Enabling works have already refurbished buildings within the former Grafton Gaol precinct to create a new Administration and Workforce Development Precinct.
Construction is expected to be finished in 2029.
“A modern hospital is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about giving our doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and support staff the facilities they need to deliver the best possible care,” Mr Williamson said.
“It is about giving local families confidence that when they need healthcare, they can access high-quality services right here in the Clarence Valley.”
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment in the Clarence Valley, and today we can finally celebrate seeing the main works get underway.”
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