Community Input Sought for Maitland’s New Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility

12 March 2025

newy.com.au – Community members are invited to have their say on the Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) now on public exhibition. This marks a crucial step in the development of a new mental health rehabilitation facility, which will be located within the Maitland Hospital campus.

The facility aims to enhance specialist mental health services in the region, providing modern inpatient rehabilitation spaces, dedicated therapy areas, and improved outdoor and recreational facilities. The design is focused on recovery-oriented care, supporting individuals in transitioning back to independent living. The project has been shaped by extensive consultation with staff, consumers, carers, and the wider community, including engagement sessions held last year.

Construction of the facility is expected to begin in late 2025, following planning approval and the appointment of a builder. The development aligns with contemporary models of mental health care, ensuring better access and integration with broader health services across the region.

The REF planning documents and supporting technical information are available for public review on the Health Infrastructure website. Feedback can be submitted via the website until 11:59pm on Wednesday, 9 April 2025.

The Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation facility is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, which aims to improve mental health services and facilities throughout the state.

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson, highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “The Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation project will provide contemporary mental health care facilities to support individuals in their recovery. We appreciate the valuable input from staff, consumers, and the community in shaping this vital project.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, welcomed the progress, saying, “Reaching this milestone is an important step towards improving access to specialist mental health care. I encourage the local community to review the plans and share their feedback while they are on public exhibition.”

Anna Styles-Tape, Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability at Hunter New England Local Health District, emphasised the project’s impact, stating, “This development will bring a modern, purpose-built mental health rehabilitation facility to the region, supporting the recovery and well-being of mental health consumers.”

For more information or to provide feedback, visit the project website at: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/maitlandmh