The Allan Labor Government's half-a-billion Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment has reached another significant milestone, with the new six-storey power supply and support services building now topped out.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the site to celebrate the redevelopment's progress, that once-complete, will deliver world-class healthcare for locals across the Ballarat region.
The new building will house a modern pharmacy, pathology services and an education and learning centre for Grampians Health and Deakin Rural Clinal School, giving locals access to the best care close to home.
It will also deliver essential services to the hospital including power, heating, and cooling, and backup power during any potential disruptions.
Work will now focus on the façade and internal fit-out - construction is on track for completion by the end of 2024.
The Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment is providing a significant boost to the local economy with more than $4.7 million spent during stage two, including labour and materials sourced from across the Central Highlands region.
The redevelopment is also boosting employment in the region, with around 1,400 construction jobs created and once fully operational, up to 1,000 extra positions will be created at the hospital.
The entire project is being completed over multiple stages with the next set to see Built begin work on the multi-level hospital tower - this will include a new emergency department, a women's and children's hub, a world-class theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.
Upon completion in 2027, the new $595 million Ballarat Base Hospital will have capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients, an extra 14,500 inpatients per year and 4,000 extra surgeries each year.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"This is another significant milestone on our way to completing the massive Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment - this will become a state-of-the-art building for essential services and critical hospital facilities."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"The topping out brings us one step closer to our new world-class hospital - the project is also helping to support our city's economy and creating more jobs for Ballarat locals."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"It is fantastic to see the redevelopment taking shape which will mean our hardworking nurses and doctors can continue to give locals with the best care they need, when they need it."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"This marks another significant construction milestone - communities across the region are one step closer to having access to expanded health services closer to home."
