About this project

Town planning expertise from GeoLINK for Tamworth Hospital’s new Banksia Unit.

Project
The Banksia Unit at Tamworth Hospital is one of several projects selected for inclusion in the State Wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program (SWMHIP).

Providing access to acute mental health care in the North West of NSW, the new unit will be physically connected to the Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department, providing up to 33 beds. This will include four adolescent inpatient beds, a 20-bed adult area, as well as a five-bed adult high-acuity area, and an 8-bed older persons’ area.

The design of the facility will be flexible to accommodate general inpatients, older persons, as well as short stays for children, adolescents and vulnerable people. 

Scope of the project
GeoLINK has been engaged to provide Town Planning services. Our key deliverables include:

  • Identifying the planning approval pathway
  • Preparing the necessary environmental assessments
  • Obtaining the required approvals for the project

Selected for expertise and quality
With a multi-disciplinary team on board, we’re able to provide the expertise needed for the project. And our experience in the Healthcare sector means we understand the complexities of the industry.

With a demonstrated ability to deliver quality planning services for large scale projects within NSW we offer our clients:

  • Significant experience in Health Infrastructure and Local Heath District projects.
  • Experience in preparing environmental assessments.
  • A strong team of urban and regional environmental planners who understand NSW planning matters.
  • A commitment to quality of service and value for money.
  • The ability to deliver projects under tight time frames and within budget.

Communication is key
The GeoLINK team are firm believers in effective communication, especially on larger scale projects with multiple consultants, client representatives and involvement from the public.

Involving those directly affected by mental health in this project is important to create a patient-centred service. The new Banksia Unit has been co-designed with people who have lived experience of mental health, family members, carers and staff. Including them in the planning phase is paramount.

Using our experience providing planning services to large scale infrastructure projects we’ve set in place avenues to proactively liaise with the stakeholders to ensure the project objectives are met. This includes:

  • Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment
  • Tamworth Regional Council
  • Hunter and New England Health
  • Other relevant authorities, as needed

On time and on target
Avoiding delays is a key driver in the delivery of the initial stages of this project for the client. The much-needed facility has been fast tracked following the outcomes of a review. With the local community being big supporters, it’s important the project stayed on track.

With the ability to draw on our multi-disciplinary expertise, we’re able to meet the challenges of this project head on.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress of the Banksia Unit at Tamworth Hospital.

Or get in touch to find out more about our planning expertise and multi-disciplinary capabilities for large-scale project management.

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