General News
25 June, 2026
$1bn medical tender opens
THE search is on for the main contractor to look after the $1 billion expansion of Cairns Hospital.
Tenders have been released for the task, closing on 6 August. The project is estimated to provide 3800 jobs during construction. The contract is expected to be awarded at the end of the year.
The expansion will provide four new operating theatres, 16 day surgery spaces, 40 overnight beds, a specialist outpatient department, clinical trials facilities and simulation and training spaces, as well as car parking and a rooftop helipad.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the tender release marked a significant milestone in strengthening health care services for Far Northern communities.
“This is another major step forward in delivering the largest single health investment in Cairns to heal Labor’s health crisis, ensuring Far North Queenslanders can access world-class healthcare closer to home,” he said.
“Labor ignored repeated warnings that Cairns Hospital had outgrown its footprint, while failing to fund or plan for critical infrastructure including the new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre and a multi-storey car park.
“The Crisafulli government is getting on with the job of delivering easier access to health services and the facilities patients, families and health workers deserve.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the project would provide certainty for the future healthcare needs of Far North Queensland.
“This expansion will support local jobs, strengthen healthcare services and ensure local families have access to the care they need in a modern, world-class facility close to home,” Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli government’s commitment to the region.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the expansion was transforming healthcare delivery across the region.
“This investment will provide additional clinical capacity, modern facilities and new opportunities for innovation, training and research, helping us meet the healthcare needs of Far North Queensland for generations to come,” she said.
