The Crisafulli Government is delivering the single biggest health investment ever made for Cairns Hospital, marking a major step forward for healthcare in Far North Queensland.
This more than $1 billion investment is part of the fully funded Hospital Rescue Plan, with construction expected to be completed by 2031. The newly unveiled masterplan sets out a long-term vision to expand and modernise Cairns Hospital, while also supporting the revitalisation of the Cairns CBD.
After a decade of neglect and underfunding left Cairns Hospital operating beyond capacity, the Crisafulli Government is restoring health services when Queenslanders need them most. An independent review found the former Labor Government’s expansion plans were wildly underfunded, lacked essential components such as a surgical centre and additional beds, and failed to plan or fund a multi-storey car park.
The new masterplan provides a clear roadmap for the future of healthcare in the Far North. It focuses on improving access to services, enhancing patient experiences, and integrating health, education and research facilities to meet growing demand.
What Stage 1 will deliver
Stage 1 of the Cairns Hospital Expansion includes:
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A new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre with at least 40 additional beds
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A Health Management Hub
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A multi-storey staff car park located next to existing hospital facilities
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A new cyclone-rated rooftop helipad on the existing Block D
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Expansion of critical support services including medical imaging, pathology, pharmacy, sterilisation and kitchen facilities
Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, following land acquisitions and planning approvals, with Stage 1 scheduled for delivery in 2031.
To support this transformation and unlock opportunities for the Cairns CBD, Queensland Health will acquire land adjacent to the existing hospital to co-locate new facilities planned for Stage 1. Queensland Health will prioritise engagement with affected landowners, businesses and community services to ensure transparency and continuity of essential services.
Future stages of the masterplan propose a new acute services building connected to the Health Innovation and Surgical Centre and the existing hospital, along with refurbishment, demolition and redevelopment of parts of the current precinct to improve connectivity and functionality.
Labor ignored repeated warnings that Cairns Hospital had outgrown its footprint. This redevelopment moves beyond short-term fixes and delivers the modern health services our growing region needs.
This masterplan recognises that refurbishment alone is not enough. It delivers a long-term solution to meet future demand and provide high-quality care for patients across the region.
It is a long-term commitment to delivering health services when Far North Queenslanders need them, strengthening the local economy, and securing Cairns’ future as a health and innovation hub for the region.
