Sod-turn for Shellharbour Hospital marks beginning of construction and new opportunities for local workforce

BESIX Watpac joined NSW Minister for Health, the Hon Ryan Park along with Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson for the ceremony. The beginning of construction not only signifies the physical start of the project but also the onset of a meaningful and lasting impact for the local community.

The new hospital will generate $780 million in economic activity for the Illawarra region and projected to generate around 800 construction jobs.

“We are committed to creating career pathways for locals, including early career construction workers, First Nations people, and women throughout the delivery of this project,” said BESIX Watpac’s General Manager for NSW Giovanni Polimeni.

“Creating a skilled and diverse workforce for not only now but in the future is important to BESIX Watpac - this hospital will not only serve as a beacon of health and wellness but also as a catalyst for local employment and professional development. We look forward to delivering our ninth project in partnership with Heath Infrastructure.”

The new Shellharbour Hospital is poised to become a cornerstone of the Illawarra region, providing cutting-edge healthcare services and fostering community growth.

The hospital marks the ninth project with Health Infrastructure and will feature an expanded emergency department, increased surgical capacity, rehabilitation and aged care as well as a variety of other services as well as the capacity for a helipad to be built in the future.

The project will include the delivery of:

•         An expanded emergency department

•         Increased surgical capacity

•         Rehabilitation and aged care services

•         Acute medical services

•         Mental health services

•         Renal dialysis

•         Outpatient care services

•         Car parking and improved public transport links.