Full Steam Ahead? Mackay’s Hospital Expansion Still Faces Big Questions

By Hannah McNamara

The LNP State Government's Hospital Rescue Plan pledges 128 new beds, improved maternity and paediatric services, a rooftop helipad, and a multi-storey car park for Mackay’s hospital expansion – but a confirmed completion date remains elusive. Despite claims of past cost blowouts and design flaws under the former state government, BESIX Watpac will continue construction, while cultural site investigations are ongoing. As Mackay’s population surges, officials promise reduced wait times and better healthcare access. Local MPs champion the plan as “full steam ahead,” yet key infrastructure questions and lingering uncertainty leave the community watching and waiting for the first signs of progress.

Cover caption: Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, met with Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, to discuss the Hospital Rescue Plan and reaffirm their shared commitment to delivering vital health infrastructure for the Mackay region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Promises In Place And Shovels On Standby As Mackay’s Hospital Waits

In a bold move to revive Mackay’s struggling hospital expansion, the LNP has unveiled its Hospital Rescue Plan, promising an additional 128 overnight beds, improved maternity, neonatal and paediatric services, a multi-storey car park, and a rooftop helipad – all while keeping within budget.

However, amid the fanfare, one essential piece of the puzzle remains conspicuously absent – a confirmed timeline for completion.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP affirmed the end goal is “to make sure that this hospital succeeds and creates the best environment for healthy people in our community.”

The plan, delivered under the Crisafulli Government’s vision, is pitched as a major win for the region.

Dalton heralded the expansion, and said, “There has been a clear and growing need in Mackay for more beds and improved hospital services, and this plan delivers exactly that.”

He further emphasised that the upgrades would “ease pressure on our hardworking doctors and nurses, reduce wait times for patients, and ensure families across Mackay can access the care they need, closer to home.”

Minister for Whitsunday, the Hon Amanda Camm MP, reflected those statements, highlighting that “for the past four years, we have advocated for quality health care services and facilities for the Greater Whitsunday region.”

As Mackay and its surrounding areas experience unprecedented population growth, Camm noted that “too many families are waiting too long to receive the health services they need, and too many healthcare workers are stretched beyond their limits.”

Yet, despite the big promises, the path to completion remains clouded with uncertainty.

“There is no exact time scale on completion yet,” said Mr Dalton.

“The construction of the car park will be something which has to be delivered properly, so we actually have to work through that with the surveyors and the construction companies to plan what is best for the hospital.”

Previously, under the former government, the expansion was slated for completion in 2026.

The Labor Government had awarded construction giant BESIX Watpac the tender, and despite halts in progress, Dalton confirmed that BESIX Watpac would remain on site.

“The current construction company know the site, they know what’s going on and there’d be no point in engaging another construction company…so they’ll be the same people who are working on it.

“This time they’ll be moving forward, and certain,” he said.

A review revealed that the previous Capacity Expansion program suffered from rushed development and a staggering cost blowout of $270 million – a 75% increase from initial estimates. Design flaws were also flagged, including a lack of overnight beds for parents and carers in the children’s ward.

Moreover, the project recently encountered another unexpected hurdle, with concerns of a possible South Sea Islander burial site beneath the hospital grounds.

Construction was paused last year while investigations took place.

At a recent media conference, Mr Dalton reassured the community that due diligence was being exercised. While no findings had been made, he confirmed that the search remains ongoing.

“With the South Sea Islander discussion of the burial ground, we have been very aware of that and we want to make sure that it’s culturally and appropriately done right.

He added, “Testing has been done on that area, and to date, nothing has been found to suggest it’s a burial site.

“It is ongoing, so we’re making sure that it’s absolutely certain there’s nothing there.

“Probably by the end of the year we’ll be able to find out exactly whether to go ahead or not.”

As for Northern Beaches, one of Mackay’s fastest-growing regions, questions continue to linger about what specific health infrastructure might be delivered. A satellite hospital was floated under the former government, but it remains unknown whether the LNP has similar plans.

Minister Camm was not present to comment.

Despite the uncertainties, precision and optimism remains strong among local LNP representatives.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP said, “It’s full steam ahead…here we go, there’s no looking over the shoulder.

“The additional 128 beds are a welcome investment to ensure that people in Mackay and surrounding regions can access the quality care they need, when they need it.

“We’re committed…we do the job, we get it done, and we get it done right for people in Queensland, and Mackay.”

The blueprint is bold, the commitment is clear, but for now, the clock remains unwound as Mackay waits with hopeful hearts and a watchful eye for the first signs of concrete action.

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Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, and Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering vital hospital upgrades for Mackay, as planning progresses and timelines remain unconfirmed. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Artist impression of the Mackay Hospital Expansion. Image source: MHHS

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