$20m Beerwah Health Hub opens as demand soars, plans to expand on cards
By Mitch Gaynor
THE opening of the $20 million Beerwah Health Hub is a tick of approval for the hinterland with developers anticipating huge demand across the region in coming years.
The Turner Street ‘Healthcare Hub’ was officially opened on Tuesday, August 27, by dignitaries including Caloundra MP Jason Hunt and Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick.
The two-storey 2,165sqm building includes a medical practice MyLocalDoc, which already has eight GPs on staff , as well as allied healthcare providers including The Wellness Practice holistic health centre. The hub also houses the Happy Hearts Childcare Centre and a veteran hub at the VWF (Veteran Wellbeing Foundation) Command Post Cafe, reinforcing its role as a central resource for the community.
Developed by Cornerstone Group, it is the eighth Health Hub in the group’s portfolio and first on the Sunshine Coast. Cornerstone Group Director, Simon Heazlewood, said the Beerwah development is set to keep up with demand for services with more than 140,000 people expected to move to the coast by 2040.“
(This) is a critical addition to the growing region and will play a key role in supporting the increasing demand for healthcare services,” Mr Heazlewood said. MyLocalDoc Managing Director, Ben Child, said Beerwah was an ideal place to establish the new practice. “What we identified was a significant gap in accessible services as this region grows,” he said. “We’re aiming to get in early, support our partnership with some great local doctors and elevate those services as much as possible.” Mr Child said the practice – with eight doctors and four nurses – was already busy and there were plans to expand services with more GPs, weekend and after hour services.
“It’s about trying to extend the current offering and meet the needs of the community, so as the need grows we will grow,” he said. “Relocating to the Beerwah Health Hub allows us to not only care for thousands of patients each year but also continue to be an integral part of the community we deeply care about.”
The Beerwah Health Hub also addresses the region’s need for childcare with the Happy Hearts Childcare Centre accommodating 104 places and featuring an expertly designed outdoor playscape on the top floor. “There is significant pressure on childcare places across the region and the new centre will be a welcome addition for local families,” Mr Heazlewood said. Further enhancing the community-focused nature of the Beerwah Health Hub is the VWF Command Post Café, operated by Young Veterans president Peter Kennedy.
The Hub offers more than 70 carparks across two levels, ensuring ample parking for patients, customers and staff , with convenient drive-in access to the childcare level.