Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard are encouraging the community to comment on the first of two Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) about the proposed Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest.
This announcement is an important step towards providing better access to health care on the Northern Beaches.
The Stage 1 EIS is on public display until Thursday, 28 November 2013 and enables the community, local residents and stakeholders to provide feedback about the project.
The EIS provides an indicative site layout and seeks permission for Stage 1 works that would see the 6.5 hectare site cleared and other preparatory works completed before main construction works commence in early 2015.
As part of the Stage 1 EIS, a biodiversity offset strategy has been prepared to mitigate the impacts to the ecosystem known locally as Duffys Forest Ecological Community.
The biodiversity offset strategy would permanently protect a number of threatened flora and fauna species on a 10-hectare site at Belrose, adjoining Garigal National Park, which will be formally managed as a conservation reserve.
The Northern Beaches Hospital will be built on a 6.5 hectare site bounded by Frenchs Forest Road West (north), Warringah Road (south), Wakehurst Parkway (east) and The Forest High School (west).
Improving the road network and integrating public transport in the area is part of the overall strategic plan for the wider Northern Beaches region.
A reference group involving NSW Health, Roads and Maritime Service, SHOROC, Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Transport for NSW has been established to ensure all key government departments and other stakeholders are coordinated to deliver a holistic road and public transport solution.
The Stage 2 EIS will be lodged with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in late 2014, giving the community another chance to comment on the project.
Three proven hospital operators have been invited to submit a Request for Proposal document to design, construct, operate and maintain the Northern Beaches Hospital.
- Adventist HealthCare Ltd (Sydney Adventist Hospital)
- Healthscope
- Ramsay Health Care.
The preferred operator will be selected in 2014. The hospital is scheduled for completion in 2018.
Get involved and have your say.
More information available at the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
Overview of the Stage 1 EIS document.
Northern Beaches Health Service Redevelopment nbhsredev.health.nsw.gov.au or call on 9978 5410.
Read Ministers’ media release here.