Contract awarded for $530m Townsville University Hospital expansion

BESIX Watpac has secured another contract to undertake works on a significant hospital expansion under the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan. 

This contract is for the $530 million Townsville University Hospital expansion that will deliver additional 143 beds for the precinct as well as a state-of-the-art clinical services building and new integrated helipad. 

“Townsville is experiencing increased demand, we don’t make excuses, we build infrastructure and deliver beds, this $530 million dollar expansion is a clear example of our commitment to Townsville,” Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said. 

“Townsville University Hospital is the only tertiary hospital in the region and the hardworking staff help so many people which is why these upgrades are so important,” Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said. 

The new eight-storey clinical services building will be used for rehabilitation and surgery services such as acute and rehabilitation inpatient units, operating theatres and medical imaging. While works are being carried out, the current helipad is going to be relocated to make way for the construction of the new building. 

The more than half-a-billion-dollar expansion project will help improve access to a range of health services while also supporting over 1,270 jobs during its construction. 

The Townsville University Hospital expansion is going to be built in two stages and is set to be completed in the second half of 2026, weather permitting. 

“Townsville University Hospital provides an amazing level of care to our community and this investment will enable that to become even better,” Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said. 

“As a former paramedic, I know how important investing in the right infrastructure for our health workers is,” Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said. 

“We know that our community is growing and ageing, and this significant capital expansion ensures that we continue to deliver contemporary, world-class health infrastructure to keep north Queenslanders healthy well into the future,” Townsville Health and Hospital Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said. 

This contract is the third to be awarded to BESIX Watpac. The company will also undertake the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 Expansion and the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion – delivering an additional 200 beds and 128 beds respectively. 

“Our live environment expertise, collaborative approach and knowledge of the technical and services requirements of hospital projects will be a significant benefit to delivering these significant expansions for the Ipswich, Townsville and Mackay communities,” BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said. 

The Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan is backed by $9.785 billion in funding that will expand 11 hospitals and build three new hospitals and a cancer centre. 

The State Government is investing about $1.2 billion for health care in Townsville. 

“Our government promised more hospital beds for the people of Townsville, and we are delivering. 

“This $530 million boost will deliver 143 beds for those recovering from surgery, as well as much needed clinical services infrastructure. 

“We know that national pressures are leading to more people in our emergency departments, so we are equipping our hospitals with the tools they need to care for Queenslanders in need,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; BESIX Watpac