Australia-based construction company CPB Contractors has started piling works at the site of the new Bundaberg Hospital, moving the A$1.2bn ($852m) Queensland health project from early works into major construction.
Approximately 470 foundation piles will be installed at the Thabeban site, which sits on land between Eggmolesse Street, Kay McDuff Drive and the Bundaberg Ring Road.
Three piling rigs are carrying out the work. Each rig weighs more than 140,000kg and stands more than 46m tall.
The start of piling follows a new agreement signed by CPB Contractors earlier this month to deliver the project.
The company had been working on design and early works under a Stage 1 Managing Contractor contract.
The Main Works package will be delivered under the Health Infrastructure Queensland (HIQ25) contract, using an early contractor involvement model.
Stage 1 will provide more than 200 beds and treatment areas, with a focus on acute services and clinical priorities. It is scheduled for completion in 2031.
Main works construction is due to start later this year, with lift cores and the first ground slab poured by the end of the year.
CPB Contractors Queensland and PNG general manager Vince Sanfilippo said the team was focused on progressing construction for the Wide Bay region.
Sanfilippo said: “The commencement of piling is a significant achievement for the project and an important step towards delivering this vital piece of health infrastructure for the Bundaberg community.
“As construction activity ramps up, we're proud to be working alongside the Queensland government and our project partners to deliver a modern hospital that will support the region's healthcare needs for generations to come.”
When finished, the hospital is expected to offer more than 410 beds and treatment spaces.
This includes at least 139 additional overnight beds and operating rooms; a larger emergency department; expanded outpatient, diagnostic and surgical services; teaching and research spaces; an acute mental health inpatient unit; a facility support building and a rooftop helipad.
The project forms part of the Queensland government's Hospital Rescue Plan.
Last month, UGL and CPB Contractors secured the balance-of-plant contract for the 179MW Narrogin Wind Farm in Western Australia.
