The Palaszczuk Government will invest $530 million to deliver a major expansion of the Townsville University Hospital, as part of the largest investment in new hospitals and new beds in Queensland’s history.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the expansion would deliver around 143 additional beds as well as other upgrades to critical infrastructure.
“Our $530 million investment for a major expansion of the Townsville University Hospital will deliver the extra hospital beds the region needs for the future,” the Minister said.
“This major expansion of the Townsville University Hospital will deliver around 143 extra beds to the region by 2026, creating around 1,276 constructions jobs.
“These new beds will tackle the ever-growing demand for health services we’re seeing throughout the region and across the entire State. “Our crucial investment in local health services is another sign of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to funding world class health care for Queenslanders.”
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said that this investment was needed to maintain pace with population increases.
“We know the region needs a sustainable health system to keep up with the growth in demand expected over coming years,” Mr Walker said.
“The expansion will include a significant boost to beds for rehabilitation and surgical patients, additional day-procedure spaces, and the relocation of the helicopter landing pad to the roof, freeing up that space for a new clinical building.
“This project alone will boost the local economy with around 1,276 jobs created during construction and is due to be completed in the second half of 2026.”
Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the record budget for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service of $1.2 billion funding in 2022-23 would assist Townsville in addressing the nationwide trend of increased demand for hospital services.
“This year’s budget also funds a Rapid Access Clinic, which will assist patients with chronic conditions in getting more streamlined care, without having to present to an emergency department,” Minister Stewart said.
“These investments will make a real difference and ensure that people can access to quality care, close to home.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the additional investments in the local Townsville health network addressed issues raised during the Inquiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and NDIS care services and its impact on the Queensland public health system.
“As Chair of the Inquiry, we heard that Townsville University Hospital had the equivalent of two wards worth of patients awaiting either aged or disability care place,” Mr Harper said.
“It’s important that as a government we have embedded funding for Queensland Health’s ‘Long Stay Rapid Response’ team which focuses on getting aged and disability care patients into more appropriate care settings.
“And in my local community, I am heartened by the funding provided for the Kirwan Health Campus project that will provide so much value to my local community and was an important election commitment to the people of Thuringowa.”
