Cairns Hospital Expansion progresses as tender release paves the way for more healthcare in FNQ

• The tender for the head contractor to deliver the next stage of the Cairns Hospital Expansion has been released.
• The more than $1 billion program to expand the Cairns Hospital is the single biggest health investment in the Far North and will generate around 3,800 jobs during construction. 
• Labor ignored warnings that Cairns Hospital had outgrown its footprint and instead pursued plans that failed to provide the infrastructure needed for the future.
• The Crisafulli Government has reset the project and delivered a masterplan that provides a roadmap for health delivery across the region over the next 30 years. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services for Far North Queenslanders, with the release of the tender for the head contractor to deliver the next stage of the Cairns Hospital Expansion. 
 
The Crisafulli Government’s visionary masterplan details the more than $1 billion investment - through the fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan - to expand the hospital and deliver the single biggest health investment in the Far North. 
 
A new masterplan was necessary after an independent review revealed Labor’s failed and wildly under-funded plan for the expansion project, including no plan for a surgical centre or beds and no funding or site for a multi-storey car park.   
 
The Cairns Hospital Expansion which will provide four new operating theatres, 16 day surgery spaces, 40 overnight beds, a specialist outpatient department, clinical trials facilities, simulation and training spaces, helping patients access more healthcare services closer to home while reducing pressure on existing facilities. 
 
The project is also expected to generate around 3,800 jobs during construction, delivering a significant economic boost for Cairns and Far North Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services for Queenslanders after record ambulance ramping and elective surgery waitlist under the former Labor Government left Queensland in a health crisis.  

The fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan is delivering at least 2,600 extra beds across new, expanded and upgraded Queensland hospitals, after the former Labor Government left the health system on life support with a failed infrastructure plan that resulted in billions of dollars in cost blowouts.  
 
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the tender release marked a significant milestone in strengthening health care services for Far Northern communities.  
 
“This is another major step forward in delivering the largest single health investment in Cairns to heal Labor’s Health Crisis, ensuring Far North Queenslanders can access world-class healthcare closer to home,” Minister Nicholls said.  
 
“Labor ignored repeated warnings that Cairns Hospital had outgrown its footprint, while failing to fund or plan for critical infrastructure including the new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre and a multi-storey car park. 
 
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering easier access to health services and the facilities patients, families and health workers deserve.” 
 
Member for Barron River Bree James said the project would provide certainty for the future healthcare needs of Far North Queensland. 
 
“This expansion will support local jobs, strengthen healthcare services and ensure local families have access to the care they need in a modern, world-class facility close to home,” Ms James said. 
 
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to the region. 
 
“After years of Labor neglect, we’re delivering a clear plan for the future of healthcare in Cairns and ensuring our growing communities have access to the infrastructure they need,” Mr James said. 
 
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh said the expansion was transforming healthcare delivery across the region. 
 
“This investment will provide additional clinical capacity, modern facilities and new opportunities for innovation, training and research, helping us meet the healthcare needs of Far North Queensland for generations to come,” Ms Singh said.  
 
The tender will remain open until 6 August 2026, with a contract expected to be awarded later this year. 
 
For more information - https://www.plan.health.qld.gov.au/

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Morton 0410 657 890.