The health industry is the largest employing industry for the region, along with being the fastest growing industry. Continued investment for additional bed capacity and upgrades to existing infrastructure is vital to ensure health services are well resourced and highly functional to support the growth of North Queensland.

Servicing Northern Australia

The Townsville University Hospital is a major healthcare facility serving Northern Australia. It treats patients from as far north as Cape York Peninsula and as far west as Mount Isa. In addition to being the only referral center in North Queensland, the hospital is a primary teaching centre for James Cook University's medical, nursing, and allied health programs, as well as TAFE Queensland.

The Townsville University Hospital also functions as a hub for health research in the region. It has a dedicated research space and is at the forefront of tropical medicine research, conducting clinical trials both on-site and via telehealth partnerships.

Health Expansion in the Region

Investment into the regions healthcare industry is imperative for a growing and ageing region. The following projects will deliver on providing increased capacity and infrastructure to support the diverse requirements for a regional health hub and improving the overall health outcomes for the region.

  • The $530 million expansion of the Townsville University Hospital is currently underway with completion expected in 2026.
  • The Mater Private Hospital Townsville is expanding their facilities to provide a state-of-the-art maternity unit as well as refurbishments and expansion of facilities to allow for a larger renal dialysis unit at the hospital's Pimlico campus.
  • The newly developed Weststate private hospital will also provide four operating theatres, one procedure room, consulting rooms, four bed intensive care unit, 23-hour facility with 19 beds, 26 overnight rooms, cafe and 24/7 kitchen.