The Clarence Valley community is invited to provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the planning application now on public exhibition.
The release of the Review of Environmental Factors planning documentation follows community consultation held in Grafton in September and October of this year, with valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community continuing to help shape the redevelopment.
The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region. It will deliver a new three-storey Acute Services Building including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.
The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall theatre capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.
When complete, the new Acute Services Building will seamlessly integrate with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. There will also be a new road off Queen Street that will provide ambulances with direct access to the Emergency Department, as well as more than 30 additional car spaces.
Early works are set to start on site in the coming weeks to prepare the site for main works construction. The works will include minor refurbishments to building 25 near the existing main entry to enable the relocation of existing ambulatory care services out of the main works construction zone.
This work will ensure access to health services are maintained while the redevelopment work is carried out. Wayfinding will be provided to ensure staff and patients can continue to access services during this time.
Construction timeframes for main works will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder is engaged.
Work is also underway to transform 36 units at the former Grafton Gaol site, to accommodate health workers.
The Minns Labor Government allocated $34.2 million to NNSWLHD as part of the wider $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment Review of Environmental Factors and other supporting technical documents can be viewed here - Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025. For more information about the project visit Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"It's an exciting time for the project with early works soon getting underway on the Grafton Base Hospital campus.
"The public exhibition of the planning application for the project marks a significant milestone for the hospital redevelopment and we're grateful for the valuable input provided by staff and stakeholders in the planning process, which has helped shaped this project.
"When completed, the new hospital building will transform the Grafton Hospital campus, enhancing access and creating a modern facility for the community and staff."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"This redevelopment is being shaped by the community every step of the way, and this public exhibition provides another opportunity to continue this critical involvement.
"By working together, we are enabling our fabulous health staff to deliver excellent patient care for the growing Grafton community.
"I am excited about how this redevelopment is progressing and looking forward to the works getting underway."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:
"We encourage the community to view and provide feedback the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment plans and have their say on this important project.
"Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.
"Staff and the community will continue to be updated as works get underway on the hospital campus."
