WA PREMIER Colin Barnett says the Government was committed to adding to Albany’s “significant development”.
Speaking in Albany during a visit by State Cabinet on Monday, Mr Barnett rejected claims his Government had moved slowly on the city’s major projects.
He said the contentious $135 million Albany Hospital project was on a fast track.
“Trust us on what we do. This is a government that makes decisions and gets on with projects,” he said.
“Let’s be truthful. The Labor Party promised a hospital in Albany in 2001, they promised it again in 2005,” he said.
“Absolutely nothing happened. Come the 2008 election, Labor promised a $50m refit.
“The Liberal Party committed to an entirely new hospital. A $135m project.
“Tenders will be going out over the coming weeks and we will start planning the detailed design, construction will get under way and that hospital will be completed and open in 2013.”
Mr Barnett and his Cabinet colleagues visited Albany for the first time since the election with funding for several projects adding to “a period of significant redevelopment”.
Mr Barnett said the hospital had been fast-tracked into the planning stage.
“We intend to bring on the contractors very early on as part of that project,” he said.
“We are reaffirming our commitment. A project that has been talked about for at least 10 years in Albany but will now happen under the Liberal National Government.”
Construction is set to begin on Albany’s new hospital in January 2011.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the $135m hospital would be a purpose-built facility providing modern and expanded services to enhance the quality of patient care and safety.
“The State Government commissioned an expert procurement options analysis for the new facility earlier this year which has recommended a fast-track approach with early contractor involvement to be used to build the facility,” Dr Hames said.
“A contractor will be appointed via a tender process, which will be undertaken in early 2010.
“While this process is occurring, initial design work will also be undertaken so the required level of planning can be completed before this successful building tenderer takes on responsibility for design development in 2010.
Expressions of interest seeking private sector investment in the project would be advertised during the middle of this month and close mid-August.
The selection of private sector arrangements, finalisation of detailed planning, compilation of a project definition plan and tender documents for procurement would be completed by December.
A building contractor would be appointed between April and September 2010, while it was hoped the finalisation of construction costs and contract details and commencement of preparatory site works would happen between October and December the same year.
A hospital development community reference group made up of key stakeholders and community representatives would ensure people are kept fully informed about the hospital’s development.
The group, which was formed in June and held its first meeting on Monday, would also provide a forum for communication between the community and health services.
“The development of the Albany Health Campus is one of the biggest public hospital developments ever undertaken in regional WA and it is crucial that the people of Albany can access up-to-date information about the project’s status and services, Dr Hames said.
“The feedback and input provided by this forum will assist the project to meet local community needs as well as explain the progress of the project to the broader community.”
The group plans to meet every two months, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.