Major health infrastructure opportunities on the horizon

Excitement is building about more investment in the local healthcare sector, with three significant projects for the Darling Downs.

Phil Gregory, Director of Projects, Planning, and Property at Darling Downs Health said there’s a lot happening in the health infrastructure space.  

“The three big ticket items for Darling Downs Health are the proposed new Toowoomba Hospital to be built at Baillie Henderson, the recently announced $42 million day surgery to be built at Baillie Henderson, and the almost completed new $92.5 million Kingaroy Hospital,” he said.

Mr Gregory will discuss the recent budget allocation for the construction of the two-theatre day surgery unit at an upcoming TSBE Enterprise Evening on 12 August.

“The two-theatre day surgery is a significant project by any standards.”

“Whilst a big part of the $42 million price tag includes the medical equipment to fit it out, this is still a substantial piece of infrastructure to be built in Toowoomba over the next couple of years.”

“We see the day surgery as a key piece of the infrastructure jigsaw we need to get ready for a potential new Toowoomba Hospital,” said Mr Gregory.

The proposed new Toowoomba Hospital will bring world-class, innovative health care to the Darling Downs region.

It will also deliver expanded services to cater for the region’s growing population and create an environment that promotes wellbeing while setting the hospital up for a sustainable future.

Statistics show that Toowoomba’s ageing population will result in an increased demand on health services, with 21% of the region expected to be over 65 by 2036 (compared to 19% in 2018.)

TSBE CEO, Ali Davenport said the development of the new Toowoomba Hospital will bring with it significant economic benefits.

“We’re excited about the many opportunities this project will bring and can’t wait to hear an update on funding from the State Government.”

“The local healthcare sector is so important, and accounts for almost 1 in 5 jobs in Toowoomba so we need to continue advocating to see this become a reality,” said Ms Davenport.

Jaden Frame, TSBE Health General Manager knows that health care facilities in regional areas play a significant role in the health of the community but also in the economic growth of region.

“Our recent Health 2030 Discussion Paper identifies key shifts and trends in the health care sector so we can collectively capitalise on these opportunities to grow the region through health care,” said Mr Frame.

According to Mr Gregory the proposed new Toowoomba Hospital will be the largest infrastructure project this region has seen. 

“So to be perfectly honest it is by far our number one focus from a major project perspective,” said Mr Gregory.

“That said, we have many smaller projects on the go as part of our ultimate goal of getting ready for a new hospital in the future,” he said.

The TSBE August Enterprise Evening is a chance to hear more about the widespread economic benefits these healthcare projects will have in the region.

Tickets are available online here.