Representatives from WBHHS gathered to see a momentous milestone in the history of healthcare for our region as Chief Executive Debbie Carroll was joined by Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to turn the sod at the new Bundaberg Hospital.
This event marks the official start of construction, and the beginning of a transformative journey for patients, carers, and staff in the Wide Bay community.
This landmark project, with a $1.2 billion investment, promises a significant enhancement to our healthcare services. The new hospital will offer an additional 121 beds, bringing the total to more than 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds.
The expanded facility will also feature a larger emergency department, additional operating theatres, and a broader range of outpatient and diagnostic services. Moreover, it will include dedicated spaces for teaching, training, and research, supporting our ongoing commitment to medical excellence and education.
Before construction began an intimate gathering saw representatives from the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda People perform a traditional smoking ceremony on-site. This ceremony was a poignant reminder of our deep respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land and their enduring connection to it.
CE Debbie Carroll said after being involved with the project from the beginning it was an emotional day to witness the biggest milestone to date.
“This is a very special day for Bundaberg and our broader regional community,” she said.
“I know how much our community needs this new state-of-the-art hospital, so it’s enormously gratifying to know they’ll start to see physical works happening onsite.
“It was also an honour to witness the Welcome to Country delivered by our local Elders — acknowledging the Traditional Custodians and their continuing connection to this land will give great comfort to those visiting our new hospital in the future.”
In addition to the hospital, master planning is underway for a broader health and education precinct around the new Bundaberg Hospital. Led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), this plan aims to meet the needs of our fast-growing community, offering new services and housing for frontline workers, thereby supercharging the local economy.
For more details on the new Bundaberg Hospital project, please visit www.widebay.health.qld.gov.au/new-bundaberg-hospital