Goulburn Hospital redevelopment awaits construction start

Geofabric sheeting is covering the ground where the new four-storey clinical services building will be built.

It's understood a construction contract will be let in coming months following a tender process, with work to start by the end of the year.

The redevelopment includes a new emergency department, a new medical imaging department, new operating theatres, day surgery, recovery and pre-admission areas, new medical, surgical paediatric and geriatric inpatient wards with specifically designated palliative care beds and a new maternity and birthing suite.

The temporary halt in proceedings follows the completion of enabling works at the site.

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"Enabling works were required to prepare the site for the new clinical services building and included the construction, demolition and relocation of a number of buildings and services that were in the existing footprint of the new acute building," a Southern NSW Local Health District spokesman said.

"The extension to the Community Health building was completed in September, 2018, increasing the building size by approximately 275 square metres."

The work also included demolition of Springfield House and Lady Grose Home. A new asset management office, workshop and waste shed were completed in the first half of 2019.

In addition, the new main services trench was finished. The spokesman said it now serves as "the backbone of services and infrastructure" for the Goulburn Hospital campus.

"Geofabric now covers the site to stop erosion and dust as early works are finalised ahead of main works construction which is due to begin later in 2019," he said.

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The Health Service has rejected suggestions circulating in the public arena that the geofabric was covering asbestos. The spokesman said there was "currently no asbestos exposed onsite" and the geofrabric was "standard practice."

"Any asbestos found on site is dealt with via a comprehensive asbestos management plan, which follows the Australian legislative and best practice model," he said.

"Isolated finds of asbestos have previously been uncovered at the redevelopment site. When an event such as this occurs the Asbestos Management Process is actioned immediately."

He said with any asbestos find there was a clear separation between public areas and construction zones to eliminate risk and all work involving hazardous materials was "clearly signposted."

Air quality monitors were installed during enabling works.

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