Page 4113 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 22 October 2019

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Mr Coe: I am happy to do so.

MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Coe. I call the minister.

MR STEEL: All that residents need to do is to log onto fix my street and fill in the form.

ACT Health—SPIRE project

MR GUPTA: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, could you update the Assembly on the SPIRE project and related community consultation?

MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Gupta for his question and interest in SPIRE and how we are engaging with the community and experts in its development.

The ACT Labor government has a very strong record when it comes to investing in health infrastructure. Over the past 10 years, we have invested more than $1 billion in our hospitals and our community-based services like the increasingly popular walk-in centres. The government’s infrastructure plan released last week demonstrates our commitment to continued investment. At the heart of this is the SPIRE project, which will deliver a new state-of-the-art emergency, surgical and critical care facility at Canberra Hospital. Major Projects Canberra is working closely with Canberra Health Services, the Health Directorate and also clinicians, consumers and community groups in the detailed planning for the SPIRE project. In addition, advisory teams have been engaged to assist in the development of the project, including specialists in the planning and design of contemporary health facilities.

Substantial progress is being made on the SPIRE project. The procurement process for the main works will kick off at an industry briefing this week which will be followed by an invitation for expressions of interest for the territory’s design and construction partner in November.

This complex project requires considerable planning and consultation to ensure that we deliver the best possible outcomes. Ten clinical user groups have been established that will continue to review the specifications for the new facility as they are further developed.

A consumer interest group has also been developed, and the project team has commenced engagement with local residents and the Garran Primary School in addition to the broader Woden community and the users of the current residential accommodation.

I can assure members and the community that we are committed to engaging with Canberra Hospital’s neighbours as well as with consumers to capture their views and input regarding the project’s construction and design. I look forward to being part of that engagement as we go forward.

MR GUPTA: Minister, what work is underway to support the services that are currently in the footprint of the facility?


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