The Buchan Bush Nursing Association (BBNA) is continuing its push to build a new purpose-built health facility, with detailed plans completed and council approval secured as the organisation seeks funding to bring the long-awaited project to life.
The proposed new Buchan Bush Nursing Centre would replace the existing facility, which has served the community for more than four decades but is now considered outdated and no longer suitable for modern healthcare delivery.
BBNA has been providing health services and support to the Buchan district for more than 100 years, with the current centre built 44 years ago.
While the building has been maintained over time, several recent audits and reports identified significant shortcomings, including limited space, poor patient flow and privacy, occupational health and safety concerns, lack of disability access and difficulties accommodating contemporary models of care.
The association said the Department of Health had advised there would be no further funding to upgrade the existing building due to the extent of works required, making a new facility the most practical solution.
As part of the project, BBNA has acquired a large greenfield site adjacent to the CFA station in Buchan’s Main Street.
Detailed plans for the new centre have now been completed, with project costs already approaching $1 million before construction begins.
The association estimates a further $6 million will be required to complete the development.
Two previous funding applications have been unsuccessful, however BBNA said it is preparing a third application under a rural health infrastructure funding stream.
The proposed single-storey, 500-square-metre facility has been designed to meet current building, bushfire and healthcare standards while supporting future growth in health services across the district.
Plans include four consulting rooms, a modern treatment room with ambulance access, improved reception and waiting areas, disability access and amenities, staff facilities, multipurpose meeting and activity spaces, upgraded medical storage, improved emergency communications and solar power with battery and backup generator systems.
The centre would also provide additional capacity for allied health services and serve as a safer and more functional space during emergencies and severe weather events.
BBNA said the project was critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare services in Buchan and supporting the future needs of the local community and visitors to the district.
The association said it remained optimistic about securing funding support and hoped the broader community would continue backing the proposal.
