$20 MILLION SECURED FOR FITOUT OF NEW MATERNITY UNIT AS PART THE $283.8 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT OF GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL - WILLIAMSON

Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson says he is ecstatic to have secured an additional $20 million commitment from the NSW Government to deliver a fully fitted-out maternity unit as part of the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

The funding boost, announced as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, increases the total investment in the redevelopment to $283.8 million.

Mr Williamson said the redevelopment is the single largest health infrastructure investment ever made in the Clarence electorate and will transform healthcare delivery for generations to come.

"This additional funding ensures families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from a purpose-built maternity unit featuring dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation," Mr Williamson said.

"Since concerns were raised that only a 'cold shell' for the maternity unit would be built, I have worked tirelessly to ensure the fit-out was included as part of the redevelopment.

"I have raised this issue directly with the Minister for Health on numerous occasions because local mothers, babies and healthcare workers deserve access to modern, purpose-built maternity facilities from day one.

"This funding provides certainty for families across the Clarence Valley and means future generations will be able to access world-class maternity care closer to home.

"This is an outstanding outcome for our community and I am absolutely thrilled that we have secured this funding for local families."

Mr Williamson thanked Minister for Health Ryan Park for listening to community concerns and recognising the importance of delivering a fully operational maternity unit as part of the project.

"I want to thank Minister Park for working with me and responding to the strong case our community put forward," he said.

"Completing the maternity unit during the current redevelopment is the most efficient, cost-effective and clinically appropriate approach."

Mr Williamson also welcomed the appointment of Richard Crookes Constructions as the successful contractor to deliver the main works component of the redevelopment.

"The appointment of the main works contractor is another significant milestone and means our community will soon see major construction activity ramp up on site," he said.

In addition to the new maternity unit, the redevelopment will deliver an expanded emergency department and short stay unit, enhanced medical imaging services including MRI, additional inpatient beds, a new day surgery unit and two new operating theatres.

The maternity unit fit-out is expected to be completed by 2029, with maternity services continuing to operate from the existing unit during construction.

A spokesperson for the Grafton Hospital Community Committee, Ron Bell, said the committee welcomed the additional $20 million investment in the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

"We thank Minister Park for his decision to include this important facility in Stage 1 of the project," Mr Bell said.

"The committee also welcomes the appointment of the main works contractor and looks forward to construction commencing in the near future."

PHOTO: Richie pictured outside the Grafton Base Hospital maternity ward with ‘mum-to-be’ Tilly Brown.