Major milestone for Buronga HealthOne facility
Media release | 25 June 2021
Wentworth Shire communities are closer to having a brand-new health service following the signing of a lease agreement between the NSW Government with the Barkandji and Malyangapa Aboriginal communities.
The agreement means construction work can start on a new integrated HealthOne facility in the Murray River town of Buronga.
It follows a 2020 agreement for Crown land at Buronga to be transferred to the Barkandji Corporation, with native title rights intact, as freehold land. The Barkandji would then lease it back to NSW Health to build and operate the facility.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said the agreement will preserve native title while providing enhanced health services for the Wentworth Shire region.
“Servicing Buronga, Gol Gol, Dareton, Wentworth, Euston and Balranald, the new health facility is funded by the NSW Government’s $100 million Statewide HealthOne Program,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This new HealthOne will bring a range of health services closer to communities in the Wentworth Shire region, to meet their growing healthcare needs now and into the future.”
The development of the HealthOne facility has been made possible thanks to the Barkandji and Malyangapa Nations and the Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation (RNTBC) Board passing a resolution to sign the Agreement for Lease.
“This collaborative approach and ongoing working relationship between all involved has allowed the development of a purpose-built health facility that will deliver positive health outcomes for the local communities,” Mrs Pavey said.
Barkandji Registered Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation CEO Derek Hardman said he was thrilled to see the signing of the Agreement for Lease.
“This innovative partnership between the traditional owners and the NSW Government recognises continuing connection to land, culture and community,” Mr Hardman said.
The HealthOne facility will complement other healthcare facilities such as district hospitals, regional health services and major referral hospitals, to deliver the best services possible to local people.
Far West Local Health District Chief Executive Umit Agis announced the construction contract was awarded to Barpa, a proud and dynamic Australian building company and a majority Indigenous owned business.
“We are working closely with Health Infrastructure to deliver this important health facility and are very pleased the community will start to see works begin on the site,” Mr Agis said.
“We look forward to working with staff and stakeholders to help further shape plans of the new health facility located at 3 Pitman Avenue.”
The new Buronga HealthOne is forecast to be completed in 2022. For more information visit the Far West Local Health District.
