HOSPITAL GETS CANCER CARE BONUS
city waterfront gateway, a waterside living precinct for residential development, the stadium and convention centre site and short- term accommodation around the existing ferry terminal.
Mayor Jenny Hill said development of the North Yard rail sheds would also be one of the first developments after council recently purchased the site, with possibilities including markets, an arts hub, historical museum and retail precinct.
“We’re going to turn an ugly duckling into a jewel for our city,’’ Cr Hill said.
Public consultation for the area’s development scheme closes August 18, with the final plan expected to be completed in November. CHILDREN with cancer, mums with newborn babies and rehabilitation patients are among those benefiting from Townsville Hospital’s $ 340 million redevelopment.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was in Townsville yesterday for the official opening of stages three and four of the hospital’s expansion.
Largely funded by the Federal Government, it includes a new ward block, more beds, a new pharmacy, kitchen, and mortuary, subacute care unit, and expanded cancer centre.
“It’s wonderful to see the end result here today of this commitment of previous federal Labor governments,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Labor has a proud track record in building medical facilities in regional Queensland.”
Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick said the opening was a significant milestone for North Queensland’s biggest healthcare facility.
Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley said vital access to cancer services would mean North Queenslanders were able to receive care locally.
Ms Ley also opened a new general practice training facility at James Cook University operated by training provider Tropical Medical Training.