The ACT Government is seeking community feedback on its proposal to declare the Northside Hospital Project a Territory Priority Project (TPP) under the Planning Act 2023.

The $1 billion development — built on the site of the former Calvary Public Hospital in Bruce — would be the largest healthcare investment in ACT history: “A modern, integrated health precinct that will expand emergency, surgical and inpatient services for the northside community,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“The project will deliver a new state-of-the-art hospital in Canberra’s north which will provide care for Canberrans for decades to come, helping to meet the growing demand for public healthcare driven by population growth, an ageing community, and evolving health needs.”

Design work is already underway, and the government aims to begin construction this term, the minister said.

Early works are expected to include realigning services infrastructure; relocating the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, and a childcare centre; and associated demolition.

There will be further opportunities for the community to engage in the design and construction phases through future planning processes following consultation on the TPP declaration.

Planning minister Chris Steel MLA said declaring the project a TPP would exempt the project from third party appeals.

However, the Canberra Liberals say the government’s plan risks bypassing proper scrutiny.

“This Labor Government has a poor health record, with an inability to deliver critical infrastructure and maintain a skilled workforce,” opposition leader Leanne Castley MLA said.

“No-one disputes the need for expanded hospital capacity in Canberra’s north. But fast-tracking a $1 billion project without the full checks and balances of the planning system risks sending the ACT Health system into further crisis and deepens the level of debt for Canberrans.

 “With 25 new and higher taxes hitting households already struggling with the cost of living, under Labor you pay more and get less.”

Public consultation is open until 27 November via the ACT Planning website. 

“I would like to hear the community’s views on the proposal through comments to Territory Planning Authority, which I will consider before I make a decision on the declaration,” Mr Steel said.