The Territory Labor Government has released the design tender for Jabiru's new Health Centre, which will provide Territorians across the West Arnhem Region with access to enhanced health care services.
The tender is funded through Labor's $135.5 million dollar commitment to support the Mirarr Traditional Owners' vision in transforming the mining town into a vibrant tourism hub in the heart of Kakadu National Park.
The project is part of a suite of initiatives aimed at positioning Jabiru on the map not only domestically, but also internationally.
In addition to supporting tourism, the investment will help to improve government services within the township.
Once operational, the new Health Centre will provide residents with greater access to medical support in a centralised location.
The design will include an ambulance bay, consult and treatment rooms, as well as space for dental and hearing care and x-rays to be carried out.
Utility rooms and amenities for staff and patients will also feature.
A morgue and a four-chair renal unit will complement the Jabiru Health Centre, with the latter expanding renal dialysis services for patients into the West Arnhem Region.
The design tender will close on 27 January, with the finalised design to be completed by 30 June.
Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
"We know now, more than ever before, how important it is to have the very best health care available to Territorians.
"The new centre will improve services for locals, and also cut down travel time.
"This infrastructure is critical when it comes to transforming the town into the vibrant tourism hub we know it will be.
"Jabiru has the potential to be a real magnet for visitors – we want as many people as possible to know it's there, and better yet, we want as many people as possible to travel to the Territory and experience it for themselves."
Quotes attributable to Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa:
"This new Health Centre is going to make a big difference to the people of Jabiru and the West Arnhem Region.
"We know how important it is to have the very best health care accessible to Territorians, whether they live in the bush, or in the city.
"Keeping Territorians safe throughout the pandemic has been the priority for this Government, and we will keep doing whatever it takes."
