Communities across the Illawarra are a step closer to accessing expanded health services, with the construction of the new eight-level Shellharbour Hospital reaching its highest point.
A traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on site today, to mark the structural completion milestone.
The new facility features a rooftop helipad which will provide Illawarra residents with faster access to emergency and critical care services once the hospital becomes operational.
Overlooking expansive views of the escarpment, the purpose-built facility provides a welcoming and supportive environment for staff, patients, and visitors.
Over the coming months, work will progress on the internal fit-out and external works to install the façade of the building.
Construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track to be completed in late 2027 and will deliver a broad range of health services, helping communities across the Illawarra access care and treatment closer to home. This includes:
- An expanded emergency department
- Specialised elective surgery services
- Rehabilitation and aged care services
- Paediatric Assessment Unit
- Acute medical services
- Expanded mental health services
- Maternity services including midwifery-led clinics, doctor-led clinics, midwifery group practice (MGP) clinics, and pre- and post-natal care.
- A new drug and alcohol unit
- Renal dialysis services
- Outpatient care services
- Car parking
- A rooftop helipad
The hospital campus will also include transport connections, a new bus stop and green spaces to enhance access to the hospital.
The Geera Gardens will span approximately 15,000 square metres, the equivalent to around three football fields, and has been co-designed with local Aboriginal groups. The gardens will feature native species and offer a welcoming and recreational space for patients, visitors and staff.
The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major health facilities around NSW, leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure. The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.
The NSW and Commonwealth governments have committed $828.9 million towards the New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, which includes improved road infrastructure, a new safe assessment unit, and other essential works.
The new Shellharbour Hospital project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, with BESIX Watpac as the principal contractor.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“This milestone means we are one step closer to the hospital opening its doors, providing a much-needed uplift to health services in the region.
“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds, and more staff for growing communities in the Illawarra and right across NSW.
“The new hospital forms part of more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investments across the region, including Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Wollongong and Milton Ulladulla, helping to ensure people have access to world-class care closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler:
“It’s fantastic to see construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track to deliver new and expanded health services for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven communities.
“The Albanese Government is working with the Minns Government to deliver this new public hospital, supporting the healthcare demands of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven’s rapidly growing population.
“The Albanese Government’s record investment in public hospitals means New South Wales is forecast to receive $64 billion in Commonwealth funding over the next five years, helping to deliver projects, like the Shellharbour Hospital. This project will ensure patients in the local community, can access the care they need, close to home.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:
“This is a major milestone for our community and brings us another step closer to opening the new Shellharbour Hospital.”
“The new hospital will provide expanded emergency, mental health, surgical and rehabilitation services, giving local families better access to care closer to home.
“I am pleased to see the progress being made and proud to be part of a government delivering this important investment for Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:
“For the community in the Kiama Electorate this represents an exciting new chapter in accessible regional healthcare, taking us one step closer to hospital that will deliver for the current and future needs of our community.
“This project represents the single largest investment in a regional hospital in NSW’s history and reflects commitment of the Minns Labor Government to ensuring regional residents receive accessible, quality healthcare close to home.”
