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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-05-02 Daily Xml
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Public Works Committee: New Women's and Children's Hospital Early Works Package

Mr BROWN (Florey) (11:10): I move:

That the 62nd report of the committee, entitled New Women's and Children's Hospital Early Works Package, be noted.

The Department for Health and Wellbeing (SA Health) proposes to commence an early works package for the new Women's and Children's Hospital on the Thebarton barracks site, which sits in close proximity to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide BioMed City.

In January 2023, the New Women's and Children's Hospital Act was proclaimed, which facilitated the development of the new hospital on the project site. Prior to construction, a range of enabling and supporting works are required, with a number of these works able to commence immediately to help the efficient use of project resources. These early works will maintain progress without materially impacting upon South Australia Police operations during their decommissioning and relocation process. The complete early works package includes:

relocation of engineering services from Gaol Road, Bonython Park works and temporary services;

associated works for utility service relocations, including ongoing site investigations to determine existing conditions;

stormwater outlet works;

demolition and site clearing;

construction of the hospital car park; and

construction of a hospital central energy plant building.

The ultimate aim of the early works package is to ensure that the necessary supporting infrastructure is in place to mitigate against project delays, to maintain the project program and to enable commencement of the main hospital later this year. The works will begin with the relocation of the authority services, delivery of stormwater infrastructure and improving site access along Bonython trail, which will allow for construction of the car park and central energy plant.

SA Health states that, without implementation of this early works package, there is the possibility of cost escalation that is currently forecast at $10 million per month and prolongation of the entire project. Therefore, it is critical that the progress with these works is maintained to facilitate the main hospital works and to avoid unnecessary budget increases. Construction has commenced, with a major milestone of the works being the completion of the hospital car park, expected in early 2027. The capital cost is $306 million and forms part of the $3.2 billion new Women's and Children's Hospital project's approved budget.

Construction of the hospital car park will improve site logistics for construction of the main hospital building by improving amenity and car parking for the trade workforce. The relationship between the car park and the central energy plant has been carefully considered to mitigate impact on the Parklands and Adelaide Gaol. The car park will be relocated closer to Port Road and the emergency department entry, with entry and logistic flows on the Port Road side of the development to ensure vehicles are kept away from the Parklands.

Project management will follow best practice guidelines for project procurement and management, as advocated by the state government and construction industry authorities. This management will continue to incorporate development, consultation, evaluation and review over the lifespan of the project. To mitigate risks, a robust governance structure has been implemented which will be utilised at all stages of the project. This structure will ensure appropriate oversight through a single point of accountability, as well as effective project committees, decision-making activities, the separation of project governance and an organisational control structure.

SA Health has incorporated ecologically sustainable principles into the scope of the works. The department states that facilities with good environmental qualities are essential to achieving a good value-for-money solution and will assist in creating a positive workplace, reducing energy and water consumption, reducing the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources, and minimising recurrent costs associated with the project.

The project will incorporate key design principles to reduce energy and water use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. This will include installing a solar system on the new car park roof to supplement the hospital's electrical demand, natural ventilation and stormwater treatment to meet Green Star criteria and other legislated requirements.

The Central Archive has identified two Aboriginal cultural sites near the proposed works location. Authorisation has been sought and received from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, and a cultural heritage management plan will be utilised and negotiated with traditional owners. Due to the location and nature of the site, there is potential for heritage artifacts, works or evidence of past occupation and use of the site being uncovered during ground-disturbing activities. As a result, the project has engaged a qualified archaeologist to provide advice and manage any discoveries made during the construction process. SA Health states that native title has been extinguished over the whole site area.

The department affirms that consultation and engagement with the Women's and Children's Health Network clinicians, staff, consumers and stakeholders have occurred to finalise the new hospital's concept design. Relevant stakeholders and precinct partners have also been extensively consulted throughout the development of the new hospital to ensure that opportunities to open and rejuvenate the surrounding Parklands are incorporated into the project. The project team regularly engages with Kaurna representatives, which will be ongoing to include assisting in the development of the interior narrative of the new hospital's design.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the new Women's and Children's Hospital early works project. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were:

Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive, Department of Health and Wellbeing;

Brendan Hewitt, Project Director, New Women's and Children's Hospital Project, Department of Health and Wellbeing;

Daniel Shaw, Construction Manager, Lendlease Building Contractors; and

Thomas Masullo, Director, Woods Bagot.

I thank the witnesses for their time.

Based upon the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Motion carried.

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