Sod turn marks beginning of construction for Canowindra HealthOne facility

The local community joined healthcare workers and the project teams on site on Thursday 12 June for a groundbreaking event to mark the milestone, and celebrate the collaborative effort throughout the development process so far. 

More than $8 million will be spent on the new HealthOne facility which will be built on the existing hospital site and include contemporary spaces to accommodate a range of multi-disciplinary providers like General Practitioners (GPs) and community healthcare services.

Canowindra Health Service Manager Matt McGrath said construction is expected to take around 12 months to complete, and the first stagfe includes road and infrastructure upgrades surrounding the existing hospital, which will enable the build without impacting services or hospital access.

"This is an exciting milestone for this project, our health service and our staff, but also for our entire community here in Canowindra," Mr McGrath said.

“Our community has been involved in this project from the start, and I’d like to thank them again for their input during the planning and design phases.

“I’m thrilled to see construction start, and while there will be some minor disruption as you’d expect with any major redevelopment, we will do everything we can to minimise that where possible.

“I’d ask our community keeps their eyes open on the campus, as there will be some changes to traffic flow as we move through construction, to ensure everyone’s safety until the new HealthOne is complete and fully operational.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said with a range of healthcare providers on site, the new HealthOne won't just improve access to healthcare for the local and broader communities, but will also reduce the need for people to travel for services.

“It’s fantastic to see construction underway on the new Canowindra HealthOne," Mr Park said.

“I’m certain the Canowindra HealthOne will provide wonderful opportunities for healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines to establish themselves in a welcoming, friendly community.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said the new HealthOne will make a significant difference to patients, their families and healthcare professionals across the wider region. 

"With a range of services right next door to the hospital, I’m sure our patients will experience a far more seamless transition between care providers, which will increase their comfort levels and their overall wellbeing," Mr Donato said.

Zauner Constructions has been engaged as the main works contractor for the new health facility. For more information on the Canowindra HealthOne project visit the Engage Western NSW platform.