The Allan Labor Government’s $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment has reached another significant milestone, with construction now complete on the the new six-storey power supply and support services building.

Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the site to announce the completion of the central energy plant and support services building, with Grampians Health staff set to move into the new facility as soon as November.

Housing a modern pharmacy, pathology services and an education and learning centre for Grampians Health and Deakin Rural Clinal School, it will help support the rest of the hospital in delivering locals access to the best care close to home.

The building will also deliver essential services to the hospital including power, heating, and cooling, and backup power during any potential disruptions.

Over 600 people, including 123 from the broader region, worked close to 400,000 hours to complete stage two of the redevelopment, providing a massive boost to the local economy, with $47.5 million spent in the region during the construction.

The redevelopment is now in its third and final stage of construction, with main works already underway to deliver the new multi-level hospital tower and main entrance, an upgraded emergency department and new rooftop helipad.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the redevelopment is on track for completion by 2027.

Upon completion, the new Ballarat Base Hospital will have the capacity to treat at least 18,000 more emergency patients, an extra 14,500 inpatients per year and 4,000 extra surgeries each year.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas

“This is an exciting next step in what is the biggest infrastructure project in Ballarat’s history – creating more local jobs and giving local families access to the world-class healthcare they deserve, closer to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This new state-of-the-art building is critical to delivering a bigger, better Ballarat Base Hospital, providing the hardworking hospital staff and local community with the best possible modern facilities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“It is fantastic to see yet another milestone completed on our new hospital, which will make a massive difference to our local community by providing local families with access to the highest quality of treatment and care.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The massive improvement of our much-loved hospital will create more local jobs and make sure patients across the region are getting better care, close to home.”