The more than $500 million new Barwon Women's and Children's in Geelong is another step closer, with main works now underway on Geelong's biggest health infrastructure project.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Member for Lara Ella George and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced the start of construction on the new and expanded women's and children's facilities.
The project will expand women's and children's health services in Geelong, including maternity and paediatric care, so local families can get world-class care, close to home.
With modern, purpose-built facilities, Barwon Health will be able to give more essential care for women and children - adding extra hospital beds, birthing suites, operating theatres, and clinic rooms.
The project will also include a new neonatal and parent care unit, so families can stay together while their baby receives care and an expanded special care nursery will support babies in their critical first weeks and months.
The Barwon Women's and Children's project is a major development in the heart of Geelong, creating around 1,500 jobs. At the peak of construction there will be around 450 construction workers and trades onsite.
The community from Geelong and surrounding suburbs have helped shape the Barwon Women's and Children's project through extensive consultation, with more than 600 ideas shared to ensure the project meets the needs of the community for generations to come.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health, Lyons Architecture and Built, construction on the new Barwon Women's and Children's is expected to be complete in 2029.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"This is another big step for the new Barwon Women's and Children's-creating local jobs and ensuring families in Geelong get the top-quality maternity and paediatric care they need, close to home."
As stated by the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"This is a huge milestone for the new Barwon Women's and Children's - providing more local jobs and ensuring families in Geelong have access to high-quality women's health, maternity and paediatric care in Geelong."(opens in a new window)
As stated by the Member for Lara Ella George
"This important project will give families in Geelong's north a modern, top-quality facility to care for local women and children for years to come."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"The new Barwon Women's and Children's is a vital investment in the region's future, and we're ensuring the local community has a say in what matters most to them."
As stated by Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker
"The new Barwon Women's and Children's project means families on the Bellarine, Surf Coast, and across the greater Geelong region will be able to get the very best maternity and paediatric care on their doorstep."
