The Queensland government has marked the beginning of construction on a major $250 million expansion project at Mackay Base Hospital, as part of Queensland’s largest hospital build initiative.
This project will see an additional 128 beds added to the hospital, along with new birth suites, a Women’s Health Unit, and a Child and Adolescent Unit, aiming to alleviate hospital pressures and enhance patient care in the region.
The expansion will include 128 new beds across paediatric, medical, and surgical wards, as well as new birth suites located alongside the surgical department to facilitate smoother care transitions for mothers and newborns.
QLD Health Minister Shannon Fentiman stated: “Once completed, the additional 128 beds at the Mackay Base Hospital will help meet rising demand for healthcare and improve the flow of patients from the emergency department into the wards.”
The Women’s Health Unit and the Child and Adolescent Unit will also relocate to the new wards when the expansion is completed in the second half of 2026.
Construction commenced in February 2024 with site works focusing on upgrading essential services such as water and sewerage, as well as site clearing.
The project is expected to create 610 local construction jobs, providing a significant economic boost to the region.
QLD Premier Steven Miles emphasised the importance of delivering quality healthcare to Queenslanders, as he stated: “Queenslanders deserve to have access to quality care in their communities, which is why my government is delivering the biggest hospital build on record.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon said: “It’s fantastic to see work on this major expansion of Mackay Base Hospital underway. The existing facility has served us well for decades, but as our community continues to grow, it’s imperative that our hospital grows with it.”
The Mackay Base Hospital expansion project is part of a broader initiative to deliver 3,300 additional hospital beds across Queensland, with an extra 239 beds set to be delivered this year alone.
The expansion aims to provide residents of Mackay and surrounding areas with access to additional health services closer to home, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
