CONSTRUCTION of the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct has officially begun.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin joined workers and Aboriginal elders at a traditional sod-turning ceremony to mark the beginning of work on the seven-storey "Acute Services Building" on Tuesday.
The enabling works, which include the relocation of services and roadworks, will set up the site up for main works construction, which is expected to begin later this year.
"The staff here are amazing, but to have the new Acute Services Building is going to make such a difference," Minister Hazzard said.
"We are increasing the emergency department by about 40 per cent, the theatres by about 50 per cent and the ICU by about 60 per cent - and of course all the other services, including the paediatric services and so on, is just going to make a huge difference to the community.
Hunter New England's population is predicted to increase by 22 per cent over the next 15 years, but the new hospital precinct would meet the demand of the region "for years to come".
"To have this incredible hospital, this new health and innovation precinct which the government has focused so much on, will really make a difference to the community of the Hunter, but also for people who will travel here because of the amazing specialities that will be offered through the hospital. It really is a huge step forward."
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Related: Plans unveiled for $780 million John Hunter Hospital and Innovation Precinct
Mr Hazzard said nearly a third of the NSW Government's $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure was going towards regional and rural health facilities this financial year.
It was one of dozens of health infrastructure projects across the state "transforming health care".
The precinct was originally announced as a $780 million project, but an additional $55 million car park has since been added to the development's overall budget.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the redevelopment would help drive education and jobs for locals and provide a "significant boost" to the local economy during construction.
He said an expected 70 per cent of the work was being delivered by businesses throughout the region.
