Pru Goward: NEW HOSPITAL FOR NORTHERN BEACHES TAKES A STEP FORWARD

Minister for Planning Pru Goward announced today the NSW Government is delivering on its promise to build the new Northern Beaches Hospital after the concept proposal was given the tick of approval.

Planning approval for concept proposal and Stage 1 site clearing has been given, meaning work can start on the new hospital.

“This is another step forward in delivering on our commitment of better health services to families on the Northern Beaches,” Ms Goward said.

“The NSW Government’s strong financial management allows us to invest in better services like this fantastic new hospital for the Northern Beaches.

“This approval brings the new hospital one step closer to reality, with construction expected to begin next year, and the hospital opening in 2018.”

The new hospital will use state-of-the-art technologies to provide a minimum of 423 beds, a large emergency department, mental health, surgical, medical, maternity, paediatric and ambulatory care services for all patients on the Northern Beaches.

Public patients will continue to access health services in the same way that they do now, except that they won’t have to travel outside the Northern Beaches to receive treatment for many of the complex healthcare needs that they do today.

Ms Goward said community concerns around traffic and construction impacts, and biodiversity on the adjacent Forest High School had been addressed through the proposal’s assessment, and close consultation will continue with the High School.

“Strong consultation means that we have been able to work with the community to make sure their concerns are addressed,” Ms Goward said.

“We’ve listened to community concerns and acted on them, imposing strong conditions so we can continue to deliver better health services for the Northern Beaches while minimising any potential impacts on the community.

“The Northern Beaches Hospital is the first major investment in health infrastructure on the Northern Beaches for decades. It is long overdue, but this decision clears the way for the first stages of work to start,” Ms Goward concluded.

The conditions of approval for the first stage of works on the hospital site include:

Finalising and implementing a biodiversity offset package that has been endorsed by the Office of Environment and Heritage
Retaining existing vegetation along the site’s eastern boundary
Providing a detailed construction management plan in close consultation with Forest High School to limit any noise and traffic impacts.