Laverton Hospital delays labelled ‘appalling’ by WA Liberals leader after early works contractor appointed

The delays in the construction of Laverton Hospital have been labelled “appalling” by the WA Liberals leader after it was revealed a contractor had been allocated for the project’s forward works. More than eight years after funding was first allocated for a new hospital in the remote Goldfields town of Laverton, ADCO Constructions has been appointed to deliver early works for the project. Works are pencilled in to begin in early 2025, with the move marking the biggest step forward for the long-awaited project which has stalled for years. WA Liberals leader Libby Mettam said the delays were particularly disappointing given the significant royalties generated by the Goldfields. “The fact that they are not committed to delivering or moving dirt on this project until early next year illustrates their appalling set of priorities,” she said. “It’s the health of Western Australians that should be a priority of any government.” Ms Mettam’s sentiments were echoed by Liberal candidate for Kalgoorlie Rowena Olsen, who said it had been difficult to watch the hospital deteriorate. “It’s appalling that it’s taken this long — as a Goldfields resident having sat there and watched the hospital deteriorate, and then have this announcement that could have come five years ago. “This, you know, these forward works. What does that mean? We’d like to see the detail around that — is that just sod turning for a photo opportunity. The Laverton residents deserve more and the Goldfields residents deserve better.” WA Opposition Leader Shane Love welcomed the allocation of a contractor to start the project but said it should have happened years ago. “It’s a cynical exercise by the Labor Government to tick off areas it has neglected for eight years before the election,” he said. “If they have not delivered the Laverton Hospital in the last eight years, do not trust them to deliver it in the next four.”