Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes says a commitment by the State Government to invest $200 million to redevelop the Cooktown Hospital is an “astronomical win” for the community after years of advocacy. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Cooktown will get a new hospital no matter which party forms government following the 26 October Queensland election.
The State Government announced on 11 June it had allocated $200 million to the Cooktown Hospital project, however, the 2024-25 budget fine print reveals only $8m of that will be available during the coming financial year.
Treasurer Cameron Dick’s budget identifies the $200m will be invested “over seven years”, meaning the vital health project will not be completed until early 2031 if the Miles government retains power in October.
The budget windfall is part of a record $28.9 billion health budget, and Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes said it was a positive result for the community after years of advocacy.
“The Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service and Hospital services communities all across the southern Cape York Peninsula,” she said.
“After many years of advocating for this critical investment, the $200m commitment by the State Government is an astronomical win; $8m has been earmarked in the 2024-25 state budget, with further funding rolled out over the coming years.”
The new facility represents several big wins for the Cooktown community, including lowering the impact on local health services during the tourist season, reducing the need for patient travel to Cairns for treatment, and expanded outpatient services, such as maternity and midwifery, CT scanning, mental health and palliative care.
Mayor Holmes said an upgraded hospital meant older residents or those requiring regular medical treatment would be able to remain part of the Cooktown community for longer.
“For those people who require regular access to medical facilities and health services, [the redevelopment will give] a feeling of confidence that Cooktown can continue to be their home for many years to come,” she said.
While Opposition Leader David Crisafulli is yet to speak to Mayor Holmes about mirroring Labor’s funding commitment if the Liberal National Party wins the state election, Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates told Cape York Weekly a change of government would not hinder the hospital redevelopment.
“The LNP is committed to redeveloping Cooktown Hospital,” she said.
“All Queenslanders deserve a world-class health system, no matter where they live.”
As Cooktown continues to celebrate the budget announcement, Mayor Holmes said the council would continue advocating for the development of a dedicated health clinic in Lakeland.
Currently, anyone in Lakeland needing medical assistance must travel 61 kilometres to Laura or 78 kilometres to Cooktown, a task which becomes impossible when wet season flooding cuts road access.
“The establishment of a permanent health service for the Lakeland community stands on its own merits,” Mayor Holmes said.
“The challenges faced by residents and workers of Lakeland will remain, even with improvements and expansion of the Cooktown [Hospital].”
