Sarina is set to get a brand-new purpose-built hospital and a preferred greenfield site has been identified.
Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said it was yet to be finalised, however a greenfield site in Brewers Rd is being considered.
Mrs Gilbert said consultation and planning had revealed the existing hospital was not suitable for redevelopment, and that a new facility was needed.
“I’m pleased to say that the Palaszczuk Government will be building a brand new hospital in Sarina,” she said.
“It is very exciting for the community to know they will be getting a new hospital that will be carefully planned to meet their needs now and into the future.
“This new facility will also mean less people will have to travel to Mackay Base Hospital to receive treatment.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said further planning and consultation would happen around the preferred site.
“Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the next stage of planning for the new hospital at a series of upcoming public information sessions,” Mr Miles said.
“This is part of our Government’s commitment to improve health services across Queensland, no matter where you live.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Board Chair Tim Mulherin welcomed the announcement saying news of a new hospital was very exciting for staff and the community.
“While a greenfield site in Brewers Rd is our preferred option, we still have further analysis, consultation and negotiation to go before it is confirmed,” he said.
It’s expected construction will start in 2021 and be finished in 2022.
Mr Mulherin said the next stage involved a number of processes including selecting a site, developing a detailed masterplan and working with stakeholders and the broader community.
“We are committed to continue to provide the Sarina community with quality healthcare services,” he said.
“We are also committed to listening to the community and taking their views into consideration as we plan this redevelopment.”
Mr Mulherin said the health service had investigated options of refurbishing the existing hospital, building a new hospital on the same site or building a new hospital at a different location.
“We considered all of these and due to the age of the existing hospital and the steepness of the existing land, rebuilding on this site would be challenging.
“This is a significant infrastructure project for our region, so it’s important the community is well informed of what is happening along the way.”
