The Bunbury Regional Hospital redevelopment project in Western Australia has reached key milestone, with the release of a request for proposal (RFP) to the market.

Led by the Cook Government, the A$277.9m ($183.8m) project aims to transform the hospital and will include additional capacity, new maternity, birthing, and neonatal services, and expanded emergency department, as well as mental health facilities.

It will also feature a regional teaching, training, and research centre and improvements to the hospital's digital capabilities.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “This is an important investment to transform Bunbury Regional Hospital into a modern healthcare facility to meet the needs of local communities, as well as the many people who travel to the South West to holiday.

“It is an important healthcare facility for the whole region, and the redevelopment will mean it is well-placed to deliver services that meet community needs into the future.”

The RFP process allows prospective managing contractors to submit detailed information and pricing to deliver the project, with the expectation of appointing a contractor from this process.

The redevelopment is anticipated to create opportunities for contractors and local suppliers once the managing contractor is selected.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said: “This redevelopment will be the biggest undertaken in regional Western Australia and will include WA's first regional teaching, training, and research centre.

“It will significantly increase the capacity at Bunbury Regional Hospital, and I look forward to seeing the project continue to progress.”