A leading builder with a strong record in delivering large-scale health care projects will start construction on Queensland’s new adolescent mental health facility next month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced that ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd had been awarded the tender to build the $27 million adolescent extended treatment facility (AETF).
"This facility heralds a new era in the treatment of adolescents with severe and complex mental illness," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"We are making sure Queensland’s most vulnerable young people have access to highly specialised healthcare services so they can recover and return to their families, friends and communities.
"Patients of the former Barrett Centre and their families have provided invaluable input to ensure the facility and the services it provides are safe and effective.
"The awarding of this contract is a major milestone in this important project."
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said ADCO had a track record in delivering quality capital works projects.
"Importantly, the firm has vast experience building health facilities including hospitals, mental health clinics and aged care centres," Mr Miles said.
"I’m pleased that a firm of their calibre is in charge of building this facility."
The Palaszczuk Government committed to delivering the facility in response to the Commission of Inquiry into the closure of the Barrett Adolescent Centre by the former LNP Government.
"We are delivering for young people experiencing mental health issues who were abandoned by the LNP," Mr Miles said.
The project is being overseen by Queensland Health, which will provide the clinical services, and the Department of Education, which will deliver an education program.
"The design of the new centre has been comprehensive and innovative," Mr Miles said.
"It will be a 12-bed extended treatment facility with day program places and an integrated educational/vocational program."
The facility forms part of $68.2 million capital works investment by the Queensland Government to rebuild and expand mental healthcare services for young people.
The new facility is expected to be operational early 2020.
