The Belconnen Community Council welcomes the ACT Government’s commitment to delivering a new Northside Hospital in Belconnen, meeting the growing needs of Canberra’s north over the next 50 years.
The location of the new hospital within the Belconnen district is a welcome decision, in line with our recommendations to the government during community consultation last year. Belconnen is the largest district by population and is set to remain the largest through to at least 2041.
Investment in critical health infrastructure and services in the northside is an investment in Canberra’s future, as we have consistently advocated to the government for many years.
The BCC does not hold a formal position on the approach the government has taken in acquiring the hospital, however notes the significant impact this will have on staff and calls on the ACT government to work with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for staff and patients in the transition.
The government’s $1 billion funding commitment is a welcome investment to support the development of a state-of-the-art facility for Belconnen, broader Canberra and regional NSW. The BCC expects the government to maintain transparency and undertake extensive community consultation as this project progresses to ensure it meets community expectations.
The government should seize this opportunity to take a holistic approach to the Bruce Hospital Precinct and rectify public transit accessibility issues, adjacent Haydon Drive and Belconnen Transitway congestion, parking and associated amenities.
Quotes Attributable to Lachlan Butler – Chair, BCC
“The investment in a new hospital for North Canberra is welcome, ensuring that the health needs of our district and the wider Canberra community are supported into the future”.
“Regular, effective and transparent community consultation by the government will be critical to the successful delivery of the new Northside Hospital. The Belconnen Community Council welcomes all opportunities to engage with the government on project plans, as the body representing the Belconnen community”.