Project manager Stephanie Di Tommaso at the site of the new Bundaberg Hospital.
A major milestone has been reached for one of Queenslander’s largest health infrastructure projects, paving the way for main construction works to begin by the end of the year.
The new world-class Bundaberg Hospital is one step closer to delivering world-class healthcare to the growing Wide Bay region.
CPB Contractors has been confirmed as the preferred contractor for design and early works ahead of construction of Stage 1 of the project.
This will deliver more than 200 beds and treatment areas by 2031.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Chief Executive Deborah Carroll said the new Bundaberg Hospital project is the largest health infrastructure investment ever delivered in the region.
The WBHHS cares for a population which sat at about 219,000 people in 2019 and is expected to grow to more than 258,000 by 2036.
More than of quarter of residents are already aged over 65.
“The Wide Bay region has a growing and ageing population and this new hospital at Thabeban will allow us to care for them for generations to come,” Ms Carroll said.
“Our goal is to provide world-class health services for everyone who calls this beautiful part of Queensland home.
“The planning and design of this project is guided by the unique needs of our community.
“The progress made on site so far is very exciting and I’m looking forward to watching the progress over the next few months.”
Bulk earthworks are already well underway ahead of the main construction of new hospital buildings kicking off by the end of the year.
When the new Bundaberg Hospital is complete, it will be home to more than 410 beds and treatment spaces, as well as a larger emergency department, more operating rooms, a rooftop helipad and expanded outpatient, diagnostic and surgical services.
Works to install about 470 foundation piles has begun, undertaken by three piling rigs which weigh more than 140,000 kilograms apiece and stand at more than 46 metres.
The site’s deepest pile – needed to create a stable foundation for large structures - will extend 39 metres into the ground.
Main construction works are on track to start later this year, with lift cores and the first ground slab pour to be finished by mid-December.
Project Officer Stephanie Di Tommaso said no two days on the project are the same.
“I work closely with our project team, contractors and stakeholders to keep the project moving,” she said.
“That can involve attending meetings, coordinating project documentation, supporting site activities and helping make sure everyone is working towards the same goal.
“It’s really rewarding working alongside such a passionate team and seeing a project of this scale progress from planning through to construction.”