The Western Australian government has committed $1 million for master planning at Rockingham General Hospital, a move designed to ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of the community for decades to come.
The funding comes as demand for health services across Rockingham and surrounding areas is forecast to increase, driven by continued strong population growth.
That growth is expected to be particularly pronounced among people aged 45 and over, and will be further boosted by the AUKUS program.
Master planning allows the government to prepare for future service and infrastructure needs based on clinical demand, population growth, emerging technologies and contemporary models of care.
It gives health authorities a long-term framework for decision-making rather than a reactive, short-term approach.
Rockingham General Hospital was first built in 1976 and was renamed in 2008 following a major redevelopment.
It currently provides a broad range of medical, surgical and emergency services to the region.
The new master planning process is in addition to upgrades already committed at the hospital, including expanded mental health services delivered through a new mental health emergency centre and a behavioural assessment unit.
Together, these investments reflect the government’s stated commitment to ensuring Western Australians can access better quality health care closer to home.
Premier Roger Cook said the funding reflected the government’s broader approach to health infrastructure in growing regions.
“This investment into a Rockingham General Hospital master plan will ensure it will meet the needs of the community for decades to come,” he said.
The master planning process is expected to guide future decisions about the hospital’s development as Rockingham’s population continues to expand in the years ahead.
