FNQ Health and Innovation Precinct
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s operations extend across Far North Queensland to some of the most remote communities in the state, with a population increasingly experiencing complex, chronic conditions at a level above national average. Cairns Hospital is the only major referral hospital in FNQ, also providing care to patients from across Cape York and the Torres Strait. Expanded health services, clinical research and education are critical to meet the health needs of FNQ’s growing population. Significantly, the region also supports a growing current visitor population of close to three million a year. Our region’s Hospital and Health Services, supported by the Northern Queensland Primary Healthcare Network, James Cook University (JCU), CQUniversity, TAFE Queensland and other tertiary institutions, are working to ensure that Cairns grows its own medical, nursing and allied health workforce, to expand its clinical services and translate research into practice to improve health outcomes for FNQ communities. Embedding research and expanding education will enable CHHHS to provide best-practice healthcare and support Cairns Hospital’s transition to tertiary hospital status within the next six years. This will allow both the hospital and JCU to attract and retain researchers and specialists, deepening health service delivery. With more than 2,000 health related student placements in 2023 alone, JCU is a major strategic partner with a growing investment into the Cairns region, such as the recent opening of a medical school allowing students to complete their full six-year training locally, and the construction of JCU’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre which will provide facilities for clinical teaching, training and research.
Cairns Health and Innovation Centre
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) face escalating demands due to a growing population, surpassing the rate of healthcare service growth.
The pressing need to cater to this swelling population underscores the necessity for expanded health services, clinical research, and education in Far North Queensland (FNQ).
The Cairns Health and Innovation Centre (CHIC) provides a platform for the Far North to substantially boost the health capability of the region which directly will result in significant improvements in the health outcomes of FNQ residents as well as visitor population. The investment into the Innovation Centre underpins a significant opportunity to bring in international universities, researchers and a workforce that would benefit the region and indeed the nation.
Funding
This project has an innitial funding commitment of $60 million by the Queensland Government.
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Queensland Government $60 million |
| Queensland Government $60 million |
Cairns Hospital Acute Services Building
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) is facing mounting pressure to support a rapidly growing and ageing population, leading to an ever-increasing demand for healthcare services. The 2022-2023 CHHHS annual report reveals that Cairns Hospital is already operating at full capacity, serving an estimated population of 289,000, including residents from the expansive Cape and Torres region. The hospital's Emergency Department alone saw a 5.1% increase in presentations last year, with over 90,000 cases.
As the region's population is projected to grow by 67,000 people by 2032, the urgency to develop a new Acute Services Building (ASB) has become critical. This new facility is essential to address the current capacity shortfall, enhance resilience against environmental risks, and support the hospital's transition to a full tertiary level institution by 2030.
Regional and Rural General Practitioners
Cairns' two universities are essential to building regional capacity and fostering the knowledge economy, particularly in addressing education and workforce gaps. James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns plays a pivotal role in healthcare training, now offering end-to-end medical education with 20 newly awarded Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs). However, with growing demand for medical professionals in Far North Queensland, additional CSPs are critical. JCU is uniquely positioned to address the region's primary care shortages through its integrated medical training programs. The Australian Government is urged to allocate further CSPs and invest in JCU's Rural Health Medical Training to strengthen the regional healthcare workforce and improve local health outcomes.
Explore more
Office of the Pacific
Support and enhance government coordination and drive implementation of our regional activities with our Pacific neighbours.
National Land Transport Network
Improved connectivity between Cairns and the region’s agricultural production hubs on the Atherton Tablelands.
JCU Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
Promote continued growth in the education sector, increase economic diversification and address immediate housing needs of Cairns.
