The McGowan Government has bolstered its health and mental health investment in the Mid-West, with an additional $49.4 million towards the Geraldton Health Campus Redevelopment project, bringing the total cost of the project to $122.7 million.
Despite COVID-19 now being present in the WA community, the local economy continues to thrive, with strong growth in both private and public investment.
Both private and public construction projects are being impacted by global supply pressures putting upward pressure on input costs, including steel prices and timber prices, which has resulted in cost escalation on the hospital redevelopment project as well.
Projects are also being impacted by tight labour market conditions, with the unemployment rate at both a State and national level at the lowest levels in years.
Part of the largest infrastructure program in WA’s history, Stage 2 of the Geraldton Health Campus Redevelopment project includes an expanded emergency department, a new intensive care unit co-located with an expanded high dependency unit and essential engineering service upgrades.
The major upgrade also includes an integrated mental health service, inclusive of an adult mental health inpatient unit and a mental health short stay unit.
The significant redevelopment will ensure patients continue to receive quality care closer to home, and the construction works will support local regional jobs and the economy.
The exterior, public art and other spaces will incorporate elements that reflect the region’s Aboriginal culture, landmarks, industries and history.
This is on top of the more than 400 additional car parking bays and a reconfigured main entry, for better patient and visitor flow, already delivered through Stage 1 of the redevelopment.
The McGowan Government’s historic infrastructure investment program is designed to continue a pipeline of infrastructure work beyond the current boom to support WA jobs and businesses.
These important projects will set up WA’s long-term future and support WA jobs and businesses when the current boom subsides.
WA’s regions will benefit from a $158.3 million health boost in the 2022-23 State Budget.
As stated by Health and Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The additional funding for the Geraldton Health Campus Redevelopment demonstrates the McGowan Government’s full commitment to this project and the Mid-West.
“Geraldton has an excellent local health system with dedicated doctors, nurses and other staff, delivering world class care for local people.
“This major investment will deliver substantially expanded facilities to ensure the hospital continues to meet the needs of the community into the future.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“The redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus is the single biggest investment in this facility since the Gallop Government redeveloped the hospital back in the early 2000s.”
“The hospital provides great care for our community and this is an extensive and welcome upgrade to complement that care.
“I know that I speak for the people of Geraldton and the Mid-West when I say that we look forward to the second stage of the redevelopment commencing soon, and I am extremely happy for the additional funding towards the project.”
