Tasmania’s North West is set for a major public health infrastructure upgrade, with the Tasmanian Liberal Party committing to deliver the entire first stage of the North West Hospitals Masterplan if re-elected. The plan includes new hospital buildings, expanded services, and hundreds of additional car parks, aimed at preparing the region’s healthcare system for future demand.
The proposed investment covers both the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) and Mersey Community Hospital, with funding already committed in the 2025–26 state budget. According to the Government, the goal is to improve access to services and make the region more attractive for healthcare professionals.
At NWRH, the $174 million investment would fund a new Link Bridge to connect the southern section of the site to the hospital’s core, and a new Medical Inpatient Unit to house clinical services including diagnostics, dialysis, and lung function testing. The NWRH site would also gain 373 new car parks, on top of 43 that have already been delivered.
Meanwhile, Mersey Community Hospital is earmarked for a new sub-acute facility to accommodate medical oncology services, as well as a new inpatient unit focused on geriatric evaluation and management. These additions are intended to support both ageing patients and those in need of more specialised care close to home.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project is part of a broader 20-year vision for healthcare in the North West. “We’re getting on with the job of completing the first stage of the North West Hospitals Masterplan,” he said. “By building an even better healthcare system, we’re delivering the modern facilities we need to attract more doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to the region.”
He added that the state’s previous budget commitments are already laying the foundation, pointing to $40 million for a new Mental Health Precinct and $16.9 million for an expanded Emergency Department and ambulance drop-off zone. Planned upgrades to the Acute Care Facility at NWRH are also part of the broader redevelopment package.
While the State Government said it will continue to seek a co-funding arrangement with the Federal Government, Rockliff stated that the state would proceed regardless. “In the absence of any leadership from Canberra, we will lock in funding to provide certainty to the North West,” he said. “A majority Liberal Government is the only way to keep Tasmania moving forward with certainty, stability and efficiency.”
The plan includes a promise to begin planning and design work within the first 100 days of a re-elected Liberal Government. Completion of the works is targeted for 2030, suggesting a phased approach with the potential for community input and adjustments as the project unfolds.
The total cost of stage one will be partly covered by the $56.9 million already allocated in the upcoming budget. The remaining funds are expected to be drawn from the state’s broader capital investment profile. While this approach gives flexibility, it may also raise questions about whether all aspects of the redevelopment can proceed on schedule without federal involvement.
Healthcare investment has emerged as a central issue in Tasmania’s lead-up to the next election, particularly in regional areas where service gaps and staff shortages have been ongoing challenges. The Masterplan’s focus on new infrastructure and recruitment is likely to resonate with voters, though some will watch closely to see whether timelines and funding promises hold after the election.
The Liberal Government’s message is clear: it wants voters to see continuity and delivery. With building works promised, funds committed, and timelines laid out, the pitch is focused on momentum rather than dramatic change. Whether that approach secures public backing will become clearer as the campaign moves forward.
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