A new report shows health projects like the $240 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment are not only delivering world-class healthcare, they’re boosting regional economies across NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Dubbo Hospital to release Regional Economic Impacts of Public Hospital Investment by the Regional Australia Institute and NSW Health Infrastructure.
The report shows a 15 per cent jump in healthcare jobs in Dubbo from 2011-2016, more than double the previous five-year period. There was also a significant boost to construction jobs, which had a spillover benefit to the local accommodation, travel, food and transport sectors.
“This shows the benefit of our health infrastructure spends for the whole community and that’s never been more important than now – in the middle of a drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“A secure job and the stability that brings gives people a better quality of life and that benefits regional communities now and into the future.”
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion on health infrastructure since 2011, with $10.1 billion more over the four years from 2019-20, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
More than $240 million has been spent on the Dubbo Hospital redevelopment and a further $35 million in federal and state funding has been allocated to the Western Cancer Centre.
Mr Hazzard joined Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders to announce Lipman Pty Ltd as the successful tenderer to construct the Western Cancer Centre, due for completion in 2021.
“This Centre will provide patients here in the west with advanced diagnostic services and life-saving treatment closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
Mr Saunders said: “Having world-class cancer facilities in Dubbo will help attract and retain health professionals, and will be life-changing for patients living from Bourke to Mudgee.”
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Services, Mark Coulton, welcomed the tender for the Centre as a significant step forward for the community.
“As the report shows, investment in health infrastructure in Dubbo is providing the community with a much needed boost, particularly as we face the challenges of the drought. The Western Cancer Centre is a project we can all be extremely proud of, and it promises far-reaching benefits for Dubbo and Western New South Wales,” Mr Coulton said.