The State Government has promised Bribie Island a new Public Hospital facility on island to reduce the need for elderly residents to commute to Caboolture for treatment such as chemotherapy and renal treatments. Many common ailments need repeated treatments to avoid failing health and death and having these facilities near aging populations is critical.
The State Governments election promise in October 2020 to provide this type of facility was welcomed by the community and the Health Minister has now had four months to instruct her Department to procure the land necessary to build it.
One of the local concerns with this proposal was the lack of suitable sites to build the hospital given the scarceness of private land on Bribie Island and the need for the facility to be central to all residents.
As if on cue in January 2021 a perfect block of land has been advertised for sale at 99 First Ave. Woorim across from the Bribie Island Cemetery between Woorim and Bongaree. Surrounded by Crown land this site would be perfect for phase 1 of the Hospital as it is 4047m2 with a 101 meter frontage for ambulance access. A five storey building could be placed on the site for delivery of multiple regular health treatments and a small emergency department.
It is not near any other domestic or commercial premises which would make it perfect for helicopter access as well. The site has clear strategic and logistical advantages that make it perfect for this purpose and the Local and Surrounds has contacted the agent to enquire the status of the sale.
To date no offers have been made by the Procurement Division of the Department of Health which seems like an opportunity lost. Enquiries with the Department have not been responded to at the time of publication however it is understood that the local State Member for Pumicestone, Ms Ali King has been approached by constituents about this matter and is making her own enquiries.
The population of Bribie Island is estimated at 33000 persons recently as significant growth has occurred since the last census. At the last ABS census a total of 54% or 18000 residents are over 55 and in likely need of health care. As a community we need to assist the government deliver on this promise wherever possible and keep our eyes peeled for opportunities such as this.
