The Tweed Valley Hospital project represents a $723 million investment in regional health and included the delivery of 430 beds, an expanded emergency department and 12 operating theatres. The project, completed in May 2024, introduced new services for the region, including interventional cardiology and integrated cancer care with radiotherapy and a PET-CT suite. The project’s state-of-the-art facilities will serve as a major referral destination within a network of hospitals and community health facilities across the Tweed-Byron region.
The Judging Panel shortlisted the Tweed Valley Hospital project for its approach to regional health infrastructure delivery and community engagement. The project demonstrated a significant transformation from initial community opposition to strong support, thanks to a well-executed stakeholder engagement strategy. The establishment of a 60-person Community Reference Panel, targeted outreach to advocacy groups, and integration of local Aboriginal and South Sea Islander cultural elements set new standards for inclusive infrastructure planning. The Panel also recognised the Hospital’s effectiveness in operation, including through reduced wait times and attracting skilled healthcare professionals to the region.