Tara and Millmerran set to receive new health facilities worth $51.2m

Construction has started on two new health facilities in the growing region of the Western Downs.

Millmerran Hospital, also known as the Millmerran Multi-Purpose Health Service, 50 Commens St, Millmerran. Saturday, 14th Jul, 2018.

Construction on $51.2m worth of replacement health facilities has started for two towns in the Western Downs, with completion expected in early 2025.

The state government has announced the construction of a brand new $22.6m hospital in Tara and a $28.5m multipurpose health service facility in Millmerran on Thursday.

The new Tara Hospital, 100km west of Dalby, will include a wider range of services, with a 12-bed inpatient unit, emergency care, palliative care, comprehensive adult mental health, clinical and outreach services, a press release from the Queensland Department of Health said.

“Hutchinson Builders will lead construction, with zero disruption to ongoing healthcare,” it stated.

Concept art for the new Tara Hospital by Hutchinson Builders.

The new building will replace the current eight-bed hospital at its existing location to service more than 2000 people within the surrounding area.

Health facilities at Millmerran, about 90km south of Dalby, will also be significantly upgraded with a new single storey $28.5m building to replace the current multipurpose health service.

“The new facility will provide the community with a contemporary building that supports a wide range of healthcare services including an eight-bed inpatient unit, five-bed residential aged care space, dedicated acute and non-acute care areas, and a new helipad,” the press release said.

The construction will be completed by FK Gardner & Sons.

Concept art for the new Millmerran Hospital, which is part of a ministerial infrastructure designation application to the state government.

“The existing facilities in Tara and Millmerran have served their communities with dedication, but some are reaching their limits. To meet the growing needs of these regions, it’s time for an upgrade,” Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.

“Turning the sod on two major projects across our region is a significant milestone, marking the official beginning of builds that will benefit the community, our staff, patients and their loved ones,” Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service chief executive Annette Scott said.

Services at the existing facilities will not be affected, she said.

Construction on both of the facilities is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Originally published as Tara and Millmerran set to receive new health facilities worth $51.2m