The Hon. Richie Williamson, Member for Clarence, Media Release, 6 May 2025
Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has today welcomed the release of the latest artist impressions for the $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital and is encouraging the community to attend upcoming pop-up information sessions to learn more about this important project.
“The unveiling of these artist impressions is an exciting milestone in what is a once-in-a-generation upgrade of our region’s major health facility,” Mr Williamson said.
“This $263.8 million commitment was made by the former NSW Nationals in Government, and I’m pleased the current NSW Government is continuing to deliver this critical redevelopment for our community.”
The new three-storey hospital building will feature a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, expanded Medical Imaging services including MRI, inpatient units, and an enlarged Day Surgery and Operating Suite with additional theatres. The design includes provision for maternity services to be relocated into the new hospital in the future.
While the NSW Government has confirmed that space will be created for maternity in the new building, Mr Williamson has expressed his strong view that these services must be relocated during the course of the redevelopment—not later.
“I’ve recently written to the Minister for Health to advocate for the relocation of maternity services to happen as part of the current redevelopment, not down the track,” Mr Williamson said.
“While I understand the challenges of large-scale projects such as this, I am concerned that this approach may not be the most economical or efficient way to deliver a modern, fully-equipped maternity unit.
“This community deserves a state-of-the-art maternity unit now—not in the future—and I will continue to advocate strongly for mums, dads, and newborns across the Clarence. to deliver the best possible outcome.”
The broader redevelopment will improve access to the hospital, integrate culturally inclusive landscaping, and connect new and existing facilities to support modern models of care.
Mr Williamson is also encouraging locals to have their say and find out more about the project at upcoming pop-up information sessions at Grafton Shoppingworld:
- Tuesday, 13 May: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
- Wednesday, 14 May: 9:00am – 11:00am
“These sessions are a great opportunity for the community to speak directly with the project team, ask questions, and have their voices heard as the redevelopment progresses,” he said.
“This is a hospital for the future, and it’s essential we get it right for our community now.”
For more information about the project, visit: https://hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment.
