29 September 2008

First major works complete at Narrabri District Health Service

The early works program at Narrabri District Health Service has now been completed, with contractor National Buildplan Group handing back the site to Hunter New England Health.

Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said the $1-million project to clear the site for the new hospital, redirect utilities and demolish the old building had finished on schedule.

“I would like to thank National Buildplan and Hunter New England Health staff who have worked hard throughout the project,” he said.

While National Buildplan puts some finishing touches to the site, the planning team for the project is progressing with the design of the new health service and has recently submitted the Major Project Application to the NSW Department of Planning for environmental assessment.

“A copy of this application is in the foyer of the Narrabri Shire Council offices where local residents can view the plans and see what the new health service will look like,” he said.

“The details of the design are continually evolving to ensure Narrabri gets a state-of-the-art facility it deserves.”

The project for the remainder of the planning phase is progressing well with the design team recently meeting with the Narrabri District Health Service staff, to make sure the design of the facility will be tailored to meet the needs of the staff and people of Narrabri.

Hunter New England Health is also striving to attain a Green Star rating for the redevelopment, by incorporating environmentally friendly building materials as well as using Environmentally Sustainable Design principles.

The plans can also be viewed on the NSW Department of Planning website at:
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/major_projects.asp

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au