A new specialist medical centre is set to begin construction in January 2024, following a ruling from the Supreme Court of Queensland. The court dismissed an appeal from Ramsay Health Care Australia, the owner of Greenslopes Private Hospital, aimed at blocking the development located directly across the street from the hospital.
Ramsay Health Care took legal action against both Brisbane City Council and Ron Build Pty Ltd. Their initial attempt to halt the project was rejected by the Planning and Environment Court last year. The recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed this decision, allowing the new medical centre at 68-72 Hunter Street, Greenslopes, to proceed.
Supreme Court Ruling Details
In a judgment delivered by Chief Justice Helen Bowskill alongside Justices Sue Brown and Thomas Bradley, the court found no legal errors in the previous ruling. “No mistakes or errors in law have been shown to have been made by the primary judge,” Bowskill stated in the ruling, emphasizing the court’s firm stance. She concluded, “I would refuse leave to appeal, with costs,” indicating that Ramsay will bear the legal expenses.
At the heart of Ramsay’s appeal was the interpretation of the term “complementary” in relation to the development under the City Plan. The plan necessitates that new developments in the area contribute to a mix of centre and community activities that are deemed complementary to the existing facilities of Greenslopes Private Hospital. However, the specific meaning of “complementary” was not clearly defined.
Judge Bowskill referenced evidence presented during the case, explaining that from a town planning perspective, “complementary” pertains to uses that support one another. This interpretation played a crucial role in the court’s decision to uphold the Planning and Environment Court’s ruling.
Impact on Local Healthcare Services
The decision to allow the new medical centre reflects ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape of Queensland. As the demand for medical services continues to grow, new facilities such as the one on Hunter Street aim to enhance patient access and provide additional healthcare options in the community.
The ruling is significant for Ramsay Health Care, which has been involved in a competitive healthcare market. The development of the new medical centre is expected to contribute to a more diverse range of services available to residents in the Greenslopes area.
As construction is set to commence, local stakeholders and residents will be observing the progress of the new facility closely, anticipating its potential benefits for healthcare access and community wellbeing.
