Hutchinson Builders has secured a contract, worth A$22.67m ($14.52m), from the state Government of Queensland in Australia to build the new Tara Hospital.

The new hospital is planned to be built on the existing hospital campus located in Western Downs.

Annette Scott, CEO of Darling Downs Health, a local health district servicing the Darling Downs region, said that the contract has been signed for the new hospital and additional consultation will now commence with the community.

“We have a very engaged community in Tara who have demonstrated their commitment to be involved in consultation with us and we’ll be ensuring that Hutchinson Builders actively engages with the community.”

Intended to provide emergency and palliative care, the new Tara Hospital will feature a 12-bed inpatient unit, as well as adult mental health, clinical and other outreach services.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said: “Council strongly advocates for quality health services that ensure whole-of-life care for our residents, and it's fantastic to see investment in a new hospital for the Tara community.

"Continued investment in local health services is absolutely vital in ensuring our towns continue to grow and prosper, and we look forward to seeing construction commence."

The new contemporary hospital is slated for completion in the first half of 2025.

Tara Hospital forms part of the Queensland Government’s $943.5m Building Rural and Remote Health Program, which aims to replace ageing rural and remote facilities.

Earlier this year, Hutchinson Builders received a tender from the Queensland Government to build the new Moranbah Hospital.

The new facility is intended to replace the current hospital and offer improved health services to Bowen Basin residents.