Hutchinson Builders nabs $22m Tara Hospital redevelopment contract

The Western Downs community can expect to see the next phase of the Tara Hospital redevelopment take place after a major construction company was awarded the job, worth more than $22m. All the latest.

Tara Hospital redevelopment (artist impression) expected to be complete start of 2025. Picture: Darling Downs Health

A major building company has been appointed the crucial role of constructing the Tara Hospital redevelopment with the contract amounting to more than $22m and creating 130 jobs.

Hutchinson Builders will take on the new development that will take place on the existing hospital as part of the state government’s $943.5m Building Rural and Remote Health Program to replace ageing rural and remote facilities.

It was announced at the beginning of the year that the Western Downs hospital would receive a 12-bed inpatient unit as well as adult mental health, clinical services and other outreach services.

Darling Downs Health chief executive Annette Scott PSM said additional consultation with the community would take place now that a contractor had been appointed.

“We have a very engaged community in Tara who have demonstrated their commitment to be involved in consultation with us and we’ll be ensuring that Hutchinson Builders actively engages with the community,” Ms Scott said.

The statement comes after a successful community-led petition was launched when Tara residents shared they had not been consulted about the redevelopment.

Warrego MP Ann Leahy asked the government during parliament if a communication plan for public input would be launched regarding the hospital upgrades.

“The community want answers,” she said.

“Business owners and community organisations want to know from the state Labor government what is proposed for their hospital.”

President of Tara Hospital Auxiliary, Beryl Bougoure and MP Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy petitioned for community input regarding Tara Hospital redevelopments. Picture: contributed

In response to the petition Darling Downs Health hosted a public consultation on March 30 which was positively received by residents with one local Sophie Bougoure saying she was happy with the information discussed with the township.

“We’ve had a win, so I feel pretty good,” she said.

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh said investment into healthcare was crucial to regional communities.

“Council strongly advocates for quality health services that ensure whole of life care for our residents and it’s fantastic to see investment in a new hospital for the Tara community,” he said.

“Continued investment in local health services is absolutely vital in ensuring our towns continue to grow and prosper and we look forward to seeing construction commence.”

Hutchinson Builders have been responsible for the construction of projects such as Toowoomba Hospital ED Expansion, St Vincent’s Hospital ICU and Baillie Henderson Day Surgery.

The construction process will include 130 jobs (FTE) to workers from across the Western Downs.

The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025 depending on weather conditions.