The WVCC objects to the demolition of the former CIT which is strategically located on a 5.5 hectare site between the Woden Town Centre and the Canberra Hospital.
A Territory-wide Health Service Plan is currently being developed and will provide a system wide view of priorities for health service development and redesign over the next five years.
Demolition of the CIT site eliminates any opportunity for a refurbishment and re-purposing of the structurally sound Commonwealth built structures.
The CIT buildings should be retained and their future use considered in the context of the Territory-wide Health Service Plan. It may be appropriate for the ACT Government to retain the site for the Canberra Hospital to ‘future proof’ health services against future land constraints at the hospital.
Background
The Territory-wide Health Service Plan will provide the direction for development of an integrated, sustainable and territory-wide health system for the ACT.
A planned and evidence-based approach to health service planning will help meet known challenges such as population growth, an ageing population, growing demand, funding pressures and service and infrastructure commitments.
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I am in full agreement with the WvCC letter recommending retention of Woden CIT 5.5 hectare and buildings that future proof it for allied hospital facilities. It is imperative that the site does not go into private developer hands. It is so obviously going to be needed for future health needs given the rate of growth in our population.