Townsville University Hospital expansion under way with BESIX Watpac named as contractor

The state government has revealed the construction firm that will build the new Townsville University Hospital expansion. Here’s the latest.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman tours the new Caboolture Satellite Hospital, Caboolture. Picture: Liam Kidston

A $530m expansion plan at the Townsville University Hospital is one step closer with the state government announcing the construction firm.

The state government has revealed BESIX Watpac will take on the project, which will expand the hospital by another 143 beds.

Last month, a new 33-bed ward opened at the hospital to help improve the flow of patients between the emergency department and specialist inpatient wards.

Earlier this year, the Townsville Bulletin partnered with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and the Mater Private Hospital Townsville for the Future Townsville campaign, which outlined the health needs for the growing city moving forward.

The hospital expansion was highlighted as a key project for the future of health in the city.

The expansion project was first announced as part of the 2020 state election, with it forming a part of a series of health-related projects announced by former Health Minister Steven Miles.

Last year, Mundingburra MP Les Walker said it would include beds for rehabilitation and surgical patients, additional day-procedure spaces, and the relocation of the helicopter landing pad to the roof.

A render of what the new expansion of the Townsville University Hospital may look like.

When it was pitched to North Queenslanders during the election, the plan was for the new building to be 10 storeys.

The project is expected to create 1270 jobs. The state government has previously suggested the project would be complete by 2026.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Liam Kidston

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government was delivering more health services across the state, including in regional centres like Townsville.

“This builds on our record of delivering 182 extra nurses and 289 extra nurses in Townsville,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This tender ensures we are investing in the Townsville community as it continues to grow.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said there were pressures on every public hospital in the country.

“This investment in Townsville will help ensure we can keep delivering health services to the community,” Ms Fentiman said.

“All three local MPs have been very clear to me that they want more health services and we are delivering.”

Les Walker MP. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Mr Walker said the state government was expanding the health system with more doctors, nurses and a bigger hospital.

“A well-resourced hospital will help our health professionals meet community expectations,” he said.

Further upgrades are planned at the hospital, with Labor also promising during the 2020 election a new hybrid theatre for Townsville.

Early design works for the development of the theatre were getting under way in December 2022.

Once constructed, the hybrid theatre is expected to reduce wait times for surgeries.

Originally published as Townsville University Hospital expansion under way with BESIX Watpac named as contractor