- $1 million allocated for master planning at Rockingham General Hospital
- Demand for health services expected to grow in next 20 years, with strong population growth particularly for people aged 45 and over
- Master planning is in addition to existing upgrades already being delivered at Rockingham General Hospital, including the new mental health emergency centre
- Reflects Cook Labor Government’s commitment to delivering better quality health care closer to home
The Cook Labor Government has committed to the future of Rockingham General Hospital with $1 million allocated for master planning to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community for decades to come.
Demand for health services across Rockingham and surrounding areas is forecast to increase, in response to continued strong population growth, particularly in the 45 years and over age cohort, as well as growth through the AUKUS program.
Master planning is an important way for government to effectively plan and prepare for future service and infrastructure needs, based on clinical demand, population growth, new and emerging technologies and contemporary models of care.
First built in 1976 and renamed in 2008 following a major redevelopment that commenced under the previous Labor Government, the hospital provides a range of medical, surgical and emergency services.
The master planning is in addition to existing improvements committed at Rockingham General Hospital, including expanded mental health services through a mental health emergency centre and behavioural assessment unit.
Importantly, it reflects the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring Western Australians are able to access better quality health care closer to home when they need it.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“My government is focused on putting WA first and delivering for Western Australians.
“Only WA Labor are doing that by making sure every Western Australian can access the healthcare they need, when they need it – no matter where they live.
“Perth’s southern suburbs are some of the fastest growing areas in the State, and it’s important our health system grows alongside the community.
“This investment into a Rockingham General Hospital master plan will ensure it will meet the needs of the community for decades to come.”
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
“We are delivering the largest investment in health infrastructure in our State’s history to ensure that more Western Australians have access to the treatment they need.
“It is also important we plan and prepare for future health needs, particularly in areas like Rockingham where our population continues to grow.
“Our commitment to this master planning follows similar work being undertaken at other major hospital sites, including the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre precinct, Royal Perth Hospital and Kalgoorlie Health Campus.
“Ultimately, this is about ensuring Western Australians will continue to have access to good quality health care closer to home now and into the future.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“The Cook Labor Government is putting Western Australia first by investing in the health infrastructure our growing communities need, both now and into the future.
“This master planning will ensure Rockingham General Hospital is well positioned to meet increasing demand, while continuing to deliver high-quality care closer to home for local families.”
As stated by Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
“We have a growing and ageing population and the delivery of AUKUS will see more families call Rockingham home.
“That’s why the Cook Government is continuing to invest in new health services locally, and this announcement demonstrates how we continue to plan for future health needs.”
As stated by Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby:
“This $1 million commitment for master planning is an exciting step forward towards expanding health services for our community.
“We want to ensure Rockingham General Hospital can continue to support our community for decades to come, and that starts with this essential planning.”
