The preferred builders of the controversial $1.8 billion women’s and babies’ hospital in Murdoch have been revealed, but the Cook government will not be able to sign an actual contract with them before the March election.
The location for the replacement of the ageing King Edward Memorial Hospital is shaping as a key election battle. The Liberals have already signalled their intention to tear up Labor’s Murdoch plans and build the facility in Nedlands next to Perth Children’s Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
WA Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson have signed a letter of intent with a joint venture that plans to build Perth’s new women’s and babies’ hospital.Credit: Getty Images
A signed contract would have made that commitment a difficult move for Liberal leader Libby Mettam – but the Cook government was unable to reach that point before caretaker mode starts in February.
Instead, on Friday WA Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson signed a letter of intent with a joint venture between Italian global construction giant WeBuild and Sydney-based builder Roberts Co.
The letter locks the government into negotiations with the joint venture, which will be responsible for building the new women’s and babies’ hospital and upgrades to maternity services at Osborne Park Hospital.
Loading
Sanderson said the letter marked the start of negotiations which would scope out final points in a contract, such as timeframe and costs.
She said it was up to the Liberals to determine what they would unpick if elected next year.
“The reality is the community supports this. The community supports this project,” she said.