General News
6 February, 2026
$1bn hospital build
A $1 billion 30-year masterplan for Cairns Hospital has been unveiled by the Queensland Government.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls outlined details of the plan yesterday (Thursday 5 February), describing it as “the single biggest health investment ever in Cairns”.
It will involve property acquisitions around the hospital which sits between the Esplanade and Lake St.
The masterplan – as part of the fully-funded ‘hospital rescue plan’ – lays out the roadmap to modernise the Cairns Hospital and will deliver easier access to health services, enhanced patient experiences and integrate health, education and research facilities.
Stage one comprises:
A new health innovation and surgical centre, including at least 40 new beds
A health management hub
A new multi-storey staff car park adjacent to existing the hospital
A new cyclone-rated rooftop helipad on the existing block D.
Expansion of support services such as medical imaging, pathology, pharmacy, sterilising and kitchen.
Construction is expected to start in late 2026, following completion of land acquisitions and approval of a ‘ministerial infrastructure designation’, with stage 1 expected to be delivered in 2031.
Land next to the existing hospital will be acquired by Queensland Health to co-locate the new hospital facilities in stage one.
Future stages of the master plan propose a new acute services building connected with the health innovation and surgical centre and the current hospital, as well as refurbishment, demolition and redevelopment of some parts of the existing hospital and precinct connectivity.
Queensland Health will prioritise discussions with affected landowners, businesses and community services to ensure they are well informed of the next steps and to ensure continuity of essential community services.
Mr Nicholls said the redevelopment of Cairns Hospital would “revitalise the CBD and it will put the city on the map as the health and innovation hub for the Far North, helping us to attract and retain more skilled health workers”.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the redevelopment would benefit the entire community and employ more people.
