Helipad Returns & Parking Boosted As Mackay Hospital Expansion Moves Ahead

Upgrades are underway at Mackay Base Hospital, with a new temporary carpark and the return of the on-site helipad set to improve access and patient transfers across the region. Photo source: Queensland Government

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Access to health services in Mackay is set to improve, with key upgrades underway at Mackay Base Hospital as part of the State Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan.

Works have begun on a temporary 80-space carpark aimed at easing congestion and increasing parking availability for patients, visitors and staff. At the same time, refurbishment of the hospital’s on-site helipad is progressing, with the facility expected to be recommissioned in the coming months.

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The return of the helipad will allow for faster, time-critical patient transfers directly to and from the hospital, after helicopters were previously forced to land at Mackay Airport and rely on ambulance transport for the final leg.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the upgrades were part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare access across the region.

“The Mackay Hospital masterplan will identify a staged growth of the hospital campus, enabling the continued safe delivery of health services to the community as health services expand and adapt to meet the growing demand for healthcare,” Minister Nicholls said.

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“The independent review of the Labor Government’s plans for Mackay Hospital identified a number of serious flaws, including a $270 million cost blowout to more than double the announced budget.”

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“The Crisafulli Government’s fully funded Hospital Rescue Plan is the largest hospital infrastructure investment in Queensland’s history and will deliver at least 2,600 extra beds across new hospitals, expansions and upgrades."

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Local contractors are playing a key role in delivering the works, with Mackay-based Vassallo Constructions awarded the enabling works contract, supported by Revolution Electrical for the helipad recommissioning.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the upgrades would deliver immediate benefits for the community.

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“With the first stage of works now complete, the on-site helipad at the Mackay Base Hospital will be reopened, allowing for the time-critical transfer of patients directly to and from the hospital,” Mr Dalton said.

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“The new temporary carpark will provide dedicated fleet parking for over 80 Queensland Health vehicles, freeing up space on the site for additional public and staff carparking.”

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the hospital’s long-term growth would be guided by a new masterplan.

“A new masterplan will take into account how the facility should grow over time to meet the changing needs of our growing community,” Ms Camm said.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the improvements would have a practical impact for regional residents.

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“Our communities travel long distances to access care, so having patients transferred directly to the hospital in emergencies, and making it easier for families and staff to find a park, will make a real difference day to day,” Mr Kelly said.

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“It’s also great to see local contractors delivering this work, keeping jobs and investment right here in our region.”

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Planning for the hospital’s major expansion is ongoing, with the new masterplan expected to be completed by mid-2026.

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