PREMIER Anna Bligh has said local scrutiny will ensure the revamp of Cairns Base Hospital goes ahead at an ambitious pace.

Ms Bligh yesterday announced tenders for the $450 million development’s first stage – a car park – were being awarded.

"We will begin construction in October, starting with the demolition of buildings on the car park site," Ms Bligh said.

"We aim to have the new car park completed by January 2010 and I have every confidence we can achieve this time frame."

The Government would begin seeking tenders for construction of the main part of the project soon, she said.

"We’ll be saying we want the shortest possible time frame.

"One of the things we’re looking at in the tender is an ambitious time frame."

Construction of the new D-Block building and relocation of services from the Stage 2 site were scheduled to begin in February 2010, she said.

"I acknowledge the hospital seriously needs new facilities, that’s why we’ve made it a priority" she said.

"Locals will be watching.

"It’s that scrutiny that’s the most significant guarantee."

Ms Bligh also announced a community stakeholder group, expected to be up and running by September, would ensure the new development was tailored to the Far North’s unique needs.

"We don’t want this to be designed from Brisbane," she said.

"This has to be informed by a very local perspective."

The upgraded hospital will include a new main entrance on Lake St, a multistorey car park connected to the hospital by an aerial walkway, a new D-block as well as expanded emergency and mental health units.

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