Hutchinson Builders awarded major contract to build the new Tara Hospital

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Darling Downs Health has welcomed the appointment of Hutchinson Builders by the State Government to construct the new Tara Hospital.

To be situated on the existing hospital campus, the new Tara Hospital project represents a substantial investment in the Tara community and surrounding regions, with the contract valued at $22.675 million.

The appointment of a contractor is a significant step in the delivery of a new contemporary hospital that will service the health needs of the Tara community well into the future.

Darling Downs Health Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM said now a contractor had been appointed, additional consultation with the community can take place.

“We have a very engaged community in Tara who have demonstrated their commitment to be involved in consultation with us and we’ll be ensuring that Hutchinson Builders actively engages with the community,” Ms Scott said

“We value the feedback from the community and the opportunity it provides to strengthen our role as a key provider of health services.”
The new Tara Hospital will provide emergency and palliative care and include a 12-bed inpatient unit, as well as adult mental health, clinical and other outreach services.

Acknowledging the significance of recent capital investments into Darling Downs Health, Board Chair Mike Horan AM said that the next five years of growth and upgrades to facilities and services will support the broader region for many decades.

“We are on the cusp of several legacy projects commencing across our Health Service which have been diligently planned and worked on for years by Darling Downs Health leadership.

“I’m confident that our strategic and service planning has identified the correct priority areas for us to direct capital funding to, such as the Tara Hospital,” Mr Horan said.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Paul McVeigh said continual investment into healthcare was crucial to regional communities.

“Council strongly advocates for quality health services that ensure whole of life care for our residents, and it's fantastic to see investment in a new hospital for the Tara community,"

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Paul McVeigh

"Continued investment in local health services is absolutely vital in ensuring our towns continue to grow and prosper, and we look forward to seeing construction commence."

The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025, subject to favourable weather and construction conditions.

The new Tara Hospital is part of the State Government’s $943.5 million Building Rural and Remote Health Program to replace ageing rural and remote facilities.