HOSPITAL JOBS BOOM
Hospital extension to fire up economy and jobs
THE $ 52 million redevelopment of the Mater Hospital’s Pimlico campus will create more than 200 jobs when construction starts in June this year.
Preliminary work on the Lothair St site began yesterday with Ergon Energy removing power poles and lights.
THE DEVELOPMENT WILL CREATE A BOOST TO THE ECONOMY WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTOR COMMITTED TO PROVIDING LOCAL JOBS. PATRICK BRADY
A MAJOR job- generating project is set to break ground in the city with the Mater Hospital announcing it will start construction in June of its $ 52 million redevelopment of its Pimlico campus.
Hospital chairman Patrick Brady said more than 200 jobs would be created when construction started.
“The development will create a boost to the economy with the building contractor committed to providing local jobs,” he said.
Preliminary work on the Lothair St site began yesterday with Ergon Energy removing power poles and lights.
More enabling work on the site will be undertaken in the coming weeks ahead of the June construction start.
Mr Brady said the redevelopment had involved many years of detailed planning.
“A project of this size not only delivers increased health services it creates a boost to the local economy through construction jobs and increased employment opportunities in the health care sector,’’ he said.
Mr Brady yesterday announced CPB Contractors had been the successful tenderer to build the new facilities.
“Construction of a largescale health facility requires specialised expertise but the Mater had also placed a significant emphasis of the company being able to deliver local jobs,’’ he said.
“CPB Contractors not only had the construction track record and expertise they are also committed to using 80 per cent local contractors.”
He said CPB Contractors had constructed some of Australia’s newest and most important health facilities, including the new Royal Adelaide Hospital and Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.
The Stage 1 development will include a dedicated new entry to the hospital, new medical imaging facilities, an expanded day surgery and an additional four operating thea- tres integrated into the hospital’s Lothair Street wing.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said developments such at the Mater’ Townsville’s $ 52 million upgrade showed a confidence in the city.
“Such a development will provide jobs and additional pay packets for Townsville families who then spend their money locally which leads to additional benefit as every dollars spent locally circulates 13 times,” she said.
“Additional medical practi- tioners to our city means additional support personnel, which we need to continue to grow our community.”
Ms Rains said an upgraded offering of health services attracted people to the region who required medical treatment, further contributing to the local economy.
“Private investment into the city sends a strong message to other potential investors that Townsville is open for business,” she said.
Mr Brady said the Mater was one of the largest private employers in North Queensland with 960 employees.
“As well as the construction jobs during the redevelopment, additional health services positions will be created on completion of the project,” he said.
The Mater’s long history of healthcare spanning more than 70 years in Townsville has been honoured in the design of the new front entrance.
The Mater Hospital was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1945. A shade screen featuring crosses symbolises the past and links the old and new buildings of the development.