The Queensland government recently marked a significant milestone in its record $14 billion Health Big Build initiative, officially turning the sod on the new $1.2 billion Bundaberg Hospital.
The state premier and cabinet met in Bundaberg to recognise the importance of this transformative healthcare project for the region.
The new Bundaberg Hospital will boast over 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds, an expanded emergency department, additional operating theatres, and a wider range of outpatient and diagnostic services.
This represents a 121-bed uplift for the rapidly growing Wide Bay region.
Importantly, the hospital will also include dedicated teaching, training, and research spaces, positioning it as a hub for healthcare education and innovation.
“We expect the Wide Bay population to grow by almost 50,000 by 2046, that’s why our government is building the hospital today that the community will need in the future,” said Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.
The new hospital build is expected to generate around 2,887 local construction jobs before its anticipated completion in late 2027, weather and building conditions permitting.
CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors are delivering early works, including earthworks, piling, roadworks, and the establishment of in-ground services.
“It’s fantastic to see this project will create more than 2,880 jobs during construction,” Minister Fentiman added.
Concept master planning is also underway for a broader health and education precinct surrounding the new hospital, led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).
The precinct aims to meet the needs of the fast-growing community, supercharge the local economy, and provide economic opportunities, new services, and frontline worker housing.
“It’s all about making the most of all the social and economic development opportunities the hospital will bring, and ensuring services are there for this fast-growing community — including housing for our front-line workers — which is expected to grow by 7,700 new residents by 2035,” said QLD Development Minister Grace Grace.
Representatives from the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda People performed a traditional smoking ceremony earlier this month to cleanse the site as it begins a new chapter towards delivering a healthier future for the region.
Premier Steven Miles said: “My government is delivering more hospital beds for Queenslanders right around the state, including here in Bundaberg.
“There will be more than 400 beds in this brand new hospital because of our investment, made possible because we are making multinational coal mining companies pay their fair share.”
The new Bundaberg Hospital project is part of the Queensland government’s broader $14 billion Health Big Build initiative, delivering new and expanded hospitals across the state to ensure continued access to world-class healthcare for rapidly growing regions.
