New Laverton Hospital Completed as Cost Rises to $67.6 Million

Western Australia’s Health Minister Meredith Hammat has defended the cost of the new Laverton Hospital, which has reached practical completion at a total cost of $67.6 million, more than three times the project’s original budget estimate.

The new eight-bed hospital has been built to replace the ageing Laverton facility, which was constructed in 1973 and serves the northern Goldfields community, approximately 950 kilometres north-east of Perth.

Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Meredith Hammat visited Laverton on Sunday to announce the completion of the project, which is expected to begin treating patients from Wednesday.

Responding to questions about the significant increase in costs, Hammat said the challenges of delivering major infrastructure projects in remote areas had contributed to the higher price tag.

“What we see with all our health infrastructure projects, particularly in regional Western Australia, is that it’s always challenging to deliver them,” she said.

“But we are absolutely committed to deliver the health services and the health infrastructure that people need.”

The minister said the redevelopment presented an opportunity to bring multiple healthcare services together under one roof, improving access for residents in the remote community.

She noted that community health, child health, and GP services have been incorporated into the new facility to better meet local healthcare needs.

The Shire of Laverton has been advocating for a modern replacement hospital for more than a decade. In 2015, the former Liberal-National government announced a $19.5 million redevelopment proposal, but the project was later halted after the WA Labor government came to power in 2017.

Premier Roger Cook, who served as health minister at the time, said the project had been under consideration for many years and described its completion as a major milestone for the region.

“I’m a previous health minister and this project has been on the books for a long time,” he said.

“It’s with a sense of deep relief but great pride that we’re now in a position to welcome patients here.”

The completion of the hospital is expected to improve access to healthcare for residents across the northern Goldfields by providing upgraded facilities, modern medical technology, and expanded healthcare services closer to home.