The Coalition Government has welcomed the official opening of the new Fraser Coast Hospice, which will help deliver compassionate care to locals at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

The facility, which received $7 million in funding through the Hinkler Regional Deal, will provide a real alternative for people approaching their end of life, including those with a terminal illness.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the opening of the Fraser Coast Hospice was an important development for this region, providing access to appropriate palliative care for local families and communities.

“Being able to access palliative care at the Fraser Coast Hospice will give locals an alternative to their home or hospital. It also means staff are available around the clock to assist and ensure patients and their families have all the support they require,” Minister Hunt said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting good quality, accessible palliative care as an important component of the health and aged care systems.”

The Fraser Coast Hospice will cater for people suffering from terminal illness, including those who live in rural and remote areas, the financially or socially disadvantaged, people with cancer, young people and seniors.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the hospice will be a place of peace and compassionate care for those people who are approaching the end of their life.

“For the people of Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and the rest of the Fraser Coast, this hospice will mean they can be close to family and friends and still access professional care at what is an emotional and trying time,” Mr Pitt said.

“The construction of the hospice has contributed to the local economy, with the creation of dozens of local jobs in construction and support sectors, and for the longer term through ongoing operation of the facility.”

The five-year Hinkler Regional Deal, which has been championed by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino, has received $172.9 million in Australian Government investment and is further supported by more than $90 million from Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils and other key implementation partners.

Assistant Minister Marino said the Hospice was an important part of the Hinkler Regional Deal’s vision.

“The Hinkler Regional Deal will drive economic development for the region and improved social outcomes. The Fraser Coast Hospice project demonstrates how the deal is responding to the liveability needs of the community and ageing population. The Hospice will deliver relief and comfort for care recipients whilst offering support for families.”

The Fraser Coast Hospice has secured a 25-year peppercorn lease near the existing medical precinct from the Fraser Coast Regional Council, with the strong support of Mayor George Seymour.

Mayor Seymour said Council was pleased to bring this facility to the Fraser Coast and support the association through a peppercorn lease of land on Urraween Road.

“This is a really significant day for the Fraser Coast as we continue to ensure we have the range of medical and support services our region needs,” Mayor Seymour said.

The Hinkler Regional Deal is a five-year commitment between the Australian Government, Bundaberg Regional Council and Fraser Coast Regional Council for the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region and its surrounds.

For more info, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/regional-deals/hinkler