Site of old Roma hospital still vacant three years after demolition

The site of the old Roma hospital is still vacant almost three years after it was demolished, but there are finally plans on the horizon. Find out more here.

The new Roma hospital has been open to the public since 2021, and while the facility has brought world-class health facilities to the region, community concern has increased over the site of the old hospital.

The original building was demolished after the new hospital was built, and the site where it was demolished has been left untouched since that time. Three years on, the site is still cordoned off by temporary fencing, and locals say they are questioning when this will change.

South West Hospital and Health Service chief executive, Dr Anthony Brown, said the SWHHS had been working towards decommissioning the old Roma Hospital site since 2021.

"Toowoomba-based specialist asbestos removal contractor Burke Industries Pty Ltd has been appointed to clear the old Roma Hospital site and dispose of contaminated materials from the demolition of the old hospital in 2021," Dr Brown said. 

The works to clear the site of contaminated materials is set to start by the end of February, and expected to be completed in May. 

"Remediating contaminated materials is a complex process that must meet strict legislative requirements. It therefore requires careful planning and specialist contractors to undertake the work," Dr Brown said.

The site of the demolished building is less than 1.5km from the Roma CBD, and across the road from a popular park and skate park.

Dr Brown assured that no breaches of the fence had been recorded, and the site continues to pose no threat to public safety.

"The site has been safely secured throughout the entire period with appropriate fencing installed to prevent unauthorised access to the site," Dr Brown said.

"In addition, asbestos air monitoring has been completed with no elevated results recorded.

"Extensive testing has been undertaken and the community can be assured there has been and continues to be a very low risk to public health."

While locals can look forward to seeing the site be made safe for repurposing by May, a SWHHS spokesman has said no plans have been made yet for the future of the site. 

"Various options continue to be considered for the future of the old Roma Hospital site once the works have been completed. Nothing has yet been finalised and the process is ongoing," the SWHHS spokesman said. 

Originally published as Site of old Roma hospital still vacant three years after demolition