Health clinic proposed
Goondir Health Services plan new Oakey site
A SMALL town outside Toowoomba could soon have access to more health and social services, after plans were put forward to build a new clinic and headquarters in Oakey.
Applicant Goondir Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health Services, known to the public as Goondir Health Service, lodged a proposal with the Toowoomba Regional Council to build a new health and community services centre on Bridge Street in Oakey.
The new development would include a health care clinic with space for two practitioners, a community use area and 15 car parks.
Goondir currently has a clinic on Campbell Street in Oakey, along with a presence in Dalby and St George.
According to the report by Revolution Town Planning, the would house a variety of programs run by Goondir under one roof.
“The health care use will provide critical health care services to the Oakey community,” the planning report said.
“The community use area will serve as the local headquarters of the organisation’s nutrition and food distribution program providing much needed social services to the Oakey community.
“The proposed development will add to the variety of uses and services within the Oakey town centre to cater for Oakey residents and the broader locality.
“The proposed development will improve the streetscape in the Oakey town centre, providing a pleasant and attractive street frontage.”
The applicant has requested no hours of operation be imposed by the council as part of the conditions, citing the clinic’s position in the major centre zone of Oakey.
Goondir Health Services employs nearly 60 staff and services more than 5000 clients across the surrounding region.
“Services offered at Goondir are unique and tailored to address the sensitivity needed when interacting with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client base due to their cultural and traditional values,” the website said.
The council has yet to respond to the application with an information request.