Cook MP David Kempton (right), pictured with TCHHS chief executive Rex O’Rourke, says the appointment of a design consultant for the $200 million Cooktown Hospital redevelopment is a crucial step in delivering a facility the community “needs and deserves”. Photo: Supplied.
The appointment of a design consultant for the $200 million Cooktown Hospital redevelopment moves the project a vital step closer to providing the community with the health infrastructure it “needs and deserves”, according to Cook MP David Kempton.
The Member for Cook and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) chief executive Rex O’Rourke announced in Cairns on Wednesday morning (6 August) that BVN had been engaged to oversee the early stages of the project – Cape York’s largest health infrastructure investment to date.
The redevelopment is being undertaken as part of the State Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan and, when completed, the upgraded facility will include eight new beds, a new operating theatre, a new birthing suite, emergency department and medical imaging.
Mr Kempton, who raised a young family in the south-eastern Cape York community, said it was important people in remote areas had the access to reliable and suitable health services their city cousins took for granted.
“A decade of Labor’s ineptitude, including false promises by minister Shannon Fentiman during the election campaign last year, left Cooktown and the wider Cape York community on life support, with an outdated health facility and no birthing services,” he said.
“We are building and expanding the health services that the Cooktown community needs and deserves.
“The modern facility will also help with staff recruitment and retention, which will be a huge benefit for the future healthcare for our remote community.”
The first stage of design work undertaken by BVN will include the validation of the previously completed design for the new hospital.
Mr O’Rourke said extensive engagement with staff, stakeholders and Cooktown residents would begin in the coming months to ensure the project reflected the diverse community.
“We acknowledge the existing hospital is ageing and in need of upgrading,” the TCHHS boss said.
“We want to ensure staff at Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service have the most up-to-date facilities to deliver vital services to the Cooktown and surrounding communities.”
A separate tender will be released for the construction component of the project once the detailed design is finalised.
The engagement of a design contractor has been praised by Cook Shire Council, with Mayor Robyn Holmes saying it demonstrated the long-overdue project was progressing.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome step forward for a project that’s long overdue and absolutely essential to the health and wellbeing of our shire,” she said.
“The Cooktown facility services not only our local community, but many neighbouring and remote communities across Cape York; that’s why its timely and full delivery must remain a priority.
“Cook Shire Council will continue to advocate with the project team and funders for a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital that genuinely reflects our region’s growing demand for acute healthcare services and supports equitable access to healthcare for all.”
The first phase of the upgrade is due to commence in 2026, with project completion scheduled for the 2029-30 financial year.
Member for Cook David Kempton tours the Cooktown Hospital with Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls in May. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
