The Illawarra Shoalhaven community is a step closer to accessing a new hospital at Shellharbour, with a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the more than $700 million project now on public exhibition.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the SSDA exhibition period for the New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project is an opportunity for the local community to provide feedback on the proposed new hospital, which will transform health services in the region when complete.
"We are now at a significant milestone, and further consultation with the community is essential to shaping the future of healthcare delivery across the region," Mr Park said.
"We look forward to providing the community with the opportunity to review the SSDA, speak with the project team, and have their say on the proposed hospital plans.
"Health clinicians, staff, and the Shellharbour community, including our local Aboriginal Elders, have also played an integral role in ensuring this new health facility continues to meet the Illawarra's healthcare needs."
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson welcomed the milestone for the delivery of the hospital.
"The new Shellharbour Hospital will really benefit the growing local community and ensure they have access to state of the art care close to home," Ms Watson said.
"I am really proud that we're moving forward with this project."
The new Shellharbour Hospital will include:
- An expanded emergency department
- Increased surgical capacity
- Rehabilitation and aged care services
- Acute medical services
- Expanded mental health services
- New drug and alcohol unit
- Renal dialysis
- Outpatients care services
- Car parking and improved public transport links
The community is encouraged to come along to one of the below information sessions led by Health Infrastructure and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
- Thursday 5 October from 10am until 12pm at Stockland Shopping Centre, Shellharbour
- Thursday 5 October from 5pm until 7pm at the Links Golf Course, Golf Drive, Shell Cove
Additional pop-up stalls will occur throughout the exhibition period and will be listed on the project's website.
Pending planning approval, construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2024, with completion of the new hospital expected in 2027.
As part of the new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, refurbishments were recently completed at Bulli Hospital to provide expanded rehabilitation and inpatient services in the Northern Illawarra region.
Refurbishments continue at Wollongong Hospital and early planning is underway for a new community health centre to be delivered in Warrawong, on a section of the old Port Kembla Hospital site.
For more information about the project and upcoming engagement sessions visit the project website.
The SSDA has been lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment and is on exhibition until Thursday, 12 October 2023.
You can view the complete SSDA and make a submission to Department of Planning and Environment.
