Instead, the work to accommodate the Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Team from Springfield House into a 275 square metre addition, is classified as ‘early and enabling works.’

Goulburn MP Pru Goward talked up the start of this work in a press release this week, saying the public could now see the first steps of construction. 

“There are many stages to the redevelopment before we get delivery of the final product - this comprehensive process will ensure our redevelopment will meet Goulburn’s future health needs,” she said.

“Fortunately we are now at the culmination of all the planning, consultation, design work and these early works can commence,” Ms Goward said.

However the Community Health extension is not part of the development application to NSW Planning, currently on public exhibition, to complete a $120m redevelopment of the hospital.

A spokesperson said it was incorporated in the early and enabling works phase.

“This is subject to a Review of Environmental Factors planning process, which is undertaken by Health Infrastructure,” she said.

“(The phase) includes the construction, demolition and relocation of a number of buildings and services in the footprint of the new acute building.”

Hutchinson Builders were appointed to construct the extension. The firm is also undertaking all the early and enabling works. 

The spokesperson said procurement for the main work would occur later this year.

“Work is also underway on assessing parking solutions. The project team will present engineering options to the council in the near future,” she said.

On Wednesday, changes were made to the existing car park. Hospital staff have been advised to park further away due to the temporary reduction in spaces. Pedestrian access to the hospital, the Community Health and Springfield House buildings will remain unchanged.

The redevelopment, with the new acute building, is expected to be completed in late 2021.

The project includes a four-storey Clinical Services Building with:

The Environmental Impact Statement for the hospital redevelopment is on public exhibition and can be viewed at this link. The community can lodge submissions on the plan until April 23.