The Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will provide $25 million to improve health facilities at Mater Private Hospital in Townsville.
The loan will support the construction of a state-of-the-art maternity unit as well as the refurbishment and expansion of facilities to allow for a larger renal dialysis unit at the hospital’s Pimlico Campus.
This significant investment will improve healthcare services in the region, promote economic growth, and improve Indigenous engagement and healthcare.
It is the second NAIF loan to the Townsville Mater Private Hospital.
The hospital successfully completed a six-level car park construction last year, backed by a $19.8 million NAIF loan.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, said the expansion of health services in Townsville shows the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure for the people of Northern Australia.
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for those living in and around Townsville, who can now look forward to improved access to healthcare services, especially through a new maternity unit,” Minister King said.
“Projects such as this demonstrate our government’s determination to promote economic growth for the people of Northern Australia, whose vital contribution to our nation cannot be overstated.”
NAIF CEO Craig Doyle said the project would provide essential healthcare services that would continue to have a positive impact on the regional community, both socially and economically.
“Access to adequate healthcare facilities often attracts families to the region, leading to a more economically active population. By reducing the demand on public health services, the project is set to deliver a range of socio-economic benefits to the community,” Mr Doyle said.
As part of NAIF’s financing, Mater has agreed to build on and enhance the existing work generated by the previous Investment Decision for the Mater car park.
The project supports the goal of building Indigenous career pathways for aspiring students or adults interested in a career at Mater Private Hospital Townsville or healthcare through Mater Education and Mater Health.
The NAIF loan will be provided through the Queensland Government and is subject to all required Government approvals and financing conditions being met.
