A major new chapter has begun for Clarence Valley healthcare, with main construction officially getting underway on the $283.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said today's sod-turn was a significant milestone and a day for the entire Clarence Valley community to celebrate.
"For decades, our community has wanted to see Grafton Base Hospital receive the investment it needs to provide modern healthcare facilities for our growing region. Today we can finally see that investment becoming a reality," Mr Williamson said.
"This $283.8 million redevelopment is the largest public health investment ever made in the Clarence Valley and will deliver a hospital designed to meet the needs of our community now and well into the future."
The redevelopment was originally committed to by the former NSW Nationals Government in the 2022-23 Budget. The project has since been expanded to $283.8 million following a further $20 million investment for maternity services.
Mr Williamson said he was pleased the current NSW Government had continued to honour the original commitment and bring the project through to construction.
"This is not about politics today. This is about delivering for the people of the Clarence Valley and making sure our community has the health facilities it deserves.
"I have been determined to see this project continue to move forward, and today's sod turn is a very welcome milestone."
The redevelopment will deliver a new multi-storey acute services building incorporating an expanded Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, inpatient services and maternity services. The hospital's operating theatre capacity will also be expanded from three theatres to five to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Clarence Valley.
Mr Williamson said the additional $20 million for maternity was particularly welcome.
"I have been very clear that maternity needs to be an important part of this redevelopment, so it is fantastic to see an additional $20 million being invested to deliver a purpose-built maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation," he said.
"For families in the Clarence Valley, having modern maternity facilities close to home matters enormously.
"This investment will provide our local mums and babies with a purpose-built facility and give our maternity staff a contemporary environment in which to provide care."
The redevelopment will also provide improved ambulance access via Queen Street, additional parking and new outdoor courtyards, while enabling works have included the refurbishment of buildings within the former Grafton Gaol precinct to create a new Administration and Workforce Development Precinct.
Mr Williamson said the project represented an important investment not just in infrastructure, but in the future of the Clarence Valley.
"A modern hospital is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about giving our doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and support staff the facilities they need to deliver the best possible care," he said.
"It is about giving local families confidence that when they need healthcare, they can access high-quality services right here in the Clarence Valley.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.
