Main works construction of the first two stages of the $91 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment has begun.
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The project milestone came after the announcement last month that Broad Construction Services was awarded the main works contract, which includes the construction of a new main clinical services building.
The progress was welcomed by health minister Jillian Skinner and Dubbo MP Troy Grant on Wednesday, the same day as Barry O'Farrell's sudden resignation as NSW premier.
Mr Grant said it was positive to see works underway on the exciting project.
"When the contract was awarded on March 12 I said we would see works begin within six weeks - I'm extremely happy to see works begin well within the timeframe," he said.
The first stage of the main works program includes site establishment to prepare for construction activities.
The redevelopment comprises a combination of new purpose-built infrastructure and refurbishment works for the highest priority clinical services.
The major component of the main works is a new building from where maternity and surgical services will be delivered to the region.
Early works, starting in late 2012, have included the demolition of old buildings and the clearing of a site at the eastern side of the hospital campus for the state-of-the-art "acute services" facility.
It is scheduled for completion late next year, with associated refurbishment projects within the existing hospital to follow.
The state government boosted the redevelopment budget from $79.8 million to $91 million, with Mrs Skinner and Mr Grant saying last month the increase would allow "100 per cent of the promised scope for the project to be delivered for the benefit of the Dubbo region".
The federal government is contributing $7.1 million of the total project sum.