Government’s record investment in Queensland’s health services creates jobs

New figures released today show that nearly 40,000 new jobs are being created by the record $6 billion health infrastructure investment in Queensland by the State Government.

“Our $6 billion health infrastructure program - the largest in the country - will deliver these jobs right across Queensland,” said Health Minister Stephen Robertson today.

“These jobs come as part of health projects from the Gold Coast to Cairns to Yeppoon, to Mackay to Townsville and in Brisbane.”

Mr Robertson released the figures in parliament ahead of attending a major milestone at the Queensland Children’s hospital in Brisbane today.

Mr Robertson said the Government was committed to delivering the new infrastructure and the jobs it creates despite the impact of the economic crisis.

“Now is not the time to take the foot off the pedal on the economy or our plans to deliver a world class health service to Queenslanders,” he said.

“These health infrastructure projects will mean significant job opportunities for locals but will also deliver major hospital projects and create more than 2,450 hospital beds for Queenslanders.”

Mr Robertson said a number of the health infrastructure projects had already started including:

• $1.55 billion Gold Coast University Hospital due for completion in 2012 – 9,915 jobs; and
• $446 million Cairns Base Hospital redevelopment (and expansion of the Emergency Department) which is due to be completed by 2014 – 2,145 jobs
• $65 million upgrade of the Mt Isa Hospital creating 352 jobs
• $20 million Yeppoon Hospital creating 123 local jobs
• $74 million Rockhampton Hospital expansion creating 380 jobs
• $150 million 96 bed ward block at Nambour Hospital creating 810 jobs

“The start of these two hospital projects has already provided skilled local workers with jobs which may extend until their completion in 2014,” he said.

Mr Robertson said a further five redevelopment projects due to start during the next 12 months would deliver thousands of jobs.

“The new $1.21 billion Sunshine Coast Hospital will deliver 7,885 jobs during its construction and is due to be completed by 2014,” he said.

“Early works on the new $1.1 billion Queensland Children’s Hospital have commenced with more than 6,895 jobs to be created during the life of the project which is due to be completed in 2014.

“The $405 million Mackay Base Hospital redevelopment, scheduled to commence soon, will generate a further 2,790 jobs by the time it is completed in 2013.

“The remaining work on the $94 million expansion at Townsville Hospital, scheduled to commence in May 2009, will generate a further 489 jobs, by the time it is completed in 2011.

“The Bligh Government is committed to investing into Queensland’s economy through the generation of nearly 40,000 jobs and delivering first-class health services across the State.”

Ends.

Media: Kate Van Poelgeest 0458 449 267