Mackay Base Hospital expansion reaches major milestone

• BESIX Watpac has been awarded the tender to deliver the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion.
• The $250 million expansion will deliver an additional 128 beds to support healthcare for the region.
• This expansion is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan which saw a record investment in new hospitals and more hospital beds across the state.  

Incoming Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has today visited Mackay Base Hospital, announcing the contractor set to deliver the $250 million expansion project.

Queensland based BESIX Watpac has been awarded the tender to deliver the project, which will add 128 beds to the precinct across paediatric, medical and surgical wards.

The increase will allow the frontline hospital workers have the facilities they need to meet the rising demand for healthcare in the region and ensure Mackay residents have access to a range of health services closer to home.  

The Mackay Base Hospital Expansion project will create 610 local construction jobs and is due to be completed in the second half of 2026.

The announcement follows the award of

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman:

“I’m honoured to visit our hardworking frontline health workers on the ground here in Mackay and thank them for all they do.

“We are one step closer to delivering of this important capital project as we welcome BESIX Watpac onboard as the lead contractor.

“This $250 million expansion means our doctors and nurses can deliver better health care to those who need it, when they need it.

“When complete, there will be 128 more beds available throughout the hospital, including in the Women’s Health Unit.

“The Palaszczuk Government will continue to deliver for Queenslanders when it comes to health and hospital services.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert:

“This is an exciting announcement for my community and the surrounding region.

“This is a great step forward not only for Mackay but also for the wider communities of Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville, Dysart, Moranbah, Clermont and Sarina.

“128 extra beds and 610 construction jobs is a win-win for the region.

“We future-proofed the hospital, ensuring sufficient land was available to expand. Once again there will be views of the beautiful Pioneer River and Bluewater Trail for our patients and staff.”

Quotes attributable to Mackay Hospital and Health Service Interim Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain:

“These additional 128 beds will help us meet the rising demand for healthcare in the region and improve the flow of patients from the emergency department to the wards.

“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 Women’s Health Unit and the Child and Adolescent Unit is looking forward to moving into brand new wards and this will ensure care is provided in a contemporary environment.

“The location of birth suites on the same level as the surgical department will also allow for a smoother transition of care for some birthing women.”

ENDS

Media contact: Natarjsha Kramer 0456 436 934