Canberrans are being encouraged to have their say on the future of the Canberra Hospital campus by providing feedback on options for the Canberra Hospital Masterplan.
Following the first phase of consultation and engagement, the ACT Government has released a draft precinct model for the campus, with two indicative options for how the hospital could develop over the next 20 years.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the release of these designs was an opportunity for all Canberrans to provide input on the proposed design features.
"Through the first phase of the consultation, we heard that Canberrans want an accessible and safe hospital campus that is easy to navigate. Key themes included car parking, public transport and wayfinding, outdoor spaces and more amenities for staff, patients and visitors.
"The options released today incorporate feedback gathered through the first phase of consultation, as well as through detailed services planning and building condition assessments across the campus.
"While the Masterplan work has found that there is room on the existing campus to cater for growing demand, the draft options also take into account the need to ensure Canberra Hospital's critical services can continue as the facility is modernised over the next 20 years," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Canberrans and people from the surrounding region will be able to participate in the consultation online and through a series of workshops throughout July and August.
"Feedback through this next phase of consultation will provide the ACT Government with more detail on what is important to Canberrans about the campus, and how well the precinct model and draft Masterplan options capture earlier feedback.
"As Canberra's population continues to grow, it is vital that we invest in our health facilities to cater for this growth – and that means being prepared with a long-term plan," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Across the Canberra Hospital campus, the ACT Government is already making significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.
The Canberra Hospital Expansion is progressing on schedule with the recent signing of the main design and construction contract.
The Canberra Hospital Expansion Project has already begun to transform the Canberra Hospital campus with nine associated projects delivered to date. These include a new administration building, refurbishments to buildings across the campus and the new Building 8 which houses the Sexual Health Centre, Surgical Training Centre and staff development rooms.
The project has also seen the completion of a temporary car park on the former CIT site, providing more than 1100 additional parking spaces.
The final Canberra Hospital masterplan is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. The plan will be implemented over the next 20 years, guiding major physical improvements across the campus.
