The final location for the Palaszczuk Government's Satellite Hospitals Program has been locked in, paving the way for work to begin soon on the crucial project to deliver improved healthcare services for our growing communities.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced Eight Mile Plains would be home to the south Brisbane facility, adding to the six other locations already identified across the south-east.
The Satellite Hospitals Program will deliver healthcare facilities at Eight Mile Plains, Caboolture, Redlands, Pine Rivers, Tugun, Bribie Island and Ripley.
The Premier said the site marked an important milestone in the progress of the $265 million Satellite Hospitals Program – an Australian first initiative.
"My Government committed to delivering seven convenient and community-focused satellite hospitals in the south-east to provide ancillary and minor healthcare services and to ease pressure off nearby hospitals," the Premier said.
"Securing the site on Levington Road at Eight Mile Plains means this Program is one step closer to becoming a reality.
"All seven Satellite Hospitals will provide health services in growing urban areas so Queenslanders can receive the care they need closer to home and in a more convenient setting."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the site identified at Eight Mile Plains was a parcel of RACQ-owned land.
"We promised to deliver seven satellite hospitals in South East Queensland to take pressure off our busy health system, and today we have secured the seventh site in south Brisbane," Mr Miles said.
"The Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital will provide non-urgent healthcare closer to home for many people on Brisbane's southside and Logan and it will take pressure off nearby hospitals including QEII, the PA and Logan Hospital.
"It will improve healthcare and support jobs in construction and healthcare jobs in operation."
Treasurer Cameron Dick said the Program is a first for Australia that will bring new and improved health services to the heart of growing local communities including Logan.
"It will increase the capacity of our health system, create jobs and strengthen the economy – all vital to our COVID-19 economic recovery plan," Mr Dick said.
"More than 100 construction jobs will be supported with this Eight Mile Plains facility, and more than 773 local jobs supported across all seven sites which is also great news for those local communities."
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D'Ath said following community consultation and planning processes, construction can begin at Eight Mile Plains in the second half of 2022.
"Eight Mile Plains and the surrounding areas have all experienced significant growth in recent years, and as a result, seen increased demand for health services," Ms D'Ath said.
"Now is the right time to invest in additional infrastructure to make sure the residents in these areas continue to get quality healthcare.
"A range of services are being considered for these healthcare facilities, including community health services, ambulatory and low acuity day therapy services such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy, complex wound management, urgent care for minor injury and illness, and outpatient activities."
Member for Toohey Peter Russo said that the new Satellite Hospital was a huge win for southsiders.
"I am so happy that we are delivering this brand new Satellite Hospital for the southside," said Mr Russo.
"I know that it will make a huge difference for our local community."
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record $22.2 billion health budget in 2021-22 and investing more in health than any government in Queensland's history.
Lots 59 & 65 Levington Road, Eight Mile Plains is the preferred site for the southern Brisbane healthcare facility.
