The Queensland government’s upcoming state budget is set to deliver a massive $1.436 billion funding boost for the Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service (CHHHS), Premier Steven Miles announced recently.
This record investment represents a 10.6 per cent increase, or $137.3 million, compared to the previous year’s allocation.
A key highlight of the budget is an initial $60 million commitment towards the establishment of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre.
This cutting-edge facility will integrate healthcare, education, research, and industry, fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors.
The centre aims to tackle unique health challenges in the tropical world, leveraging existing expertise in areas such as tropical medicine, First Nations health, and rural generalist care.
It will feature flexible workspaces, education and exhibition spaces, clinical trial facilities, and highly specialised simulation labs.
Premier Miles emphasised the centre’s potential to drive innovation and attract top talent, stating: “The centre will leverage our Asia-Pacific connections, lead better outcomes for locals, and deliver cutting-edge research on the health challenges unique to the tropics.”
The Cairns Health and Innovation Centre will foster partnerships with universities, research institutions, and commercial operators, enabling the integration of data sciences, robotics, and automation in healthcare delivery.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman highlighted the centre’s collaborative approach, stating: “The Centre will revolutionise how public and private sectors collaborate within Queensland, across borders, and internationally.”
“We know that health services across the state are under pressure, which is why we’re increasing Cairns’ health budget by more than 10 per cent, one of the largest uplifts in history.”
In addition to the Innovation Centre, the budget allocation includes over $450 million for ongoing health infrastructure projects in the Cairns region. These projects include:
- $250 million Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, delivering 96 additional beds
- $70 million Mental Health Unit
- $26.4 million Emergency Department redevelopment
- $19.3 million Cairns Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Treatment Centre
- $14.8 million new Cow Bay Primary Health Centre
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said: “The creation of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre at Cairns Hospital will be a key part of developing the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct.
“It will enable partnering not only with universities but also research institutions, private sector partners and communities, to ensure the best minds are applied to solving the unique health issues of Far North Queensland.”
