Surgery Boost Set To Benefit Mackay Patients

Mackay is among the regions set to benefit from an expansion of the Queensland Government's Surgery Connect Program. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Mackay patients waiting for elective surgery could receive treatment sooner under a $247 million Queensland Government investment to expand the Surgery Connect Program.

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The 2026–27 Budget funding will deliver more than 25,000 additional elective surgeries across Queensland, with Mackay among the regions to receive extra support through the program. The funding will help provide high-demand procedures including cataract surgery, joint replacements and ear, nose and throat operations, aimed at improving mobility, independence and quality of life for Queenslanders.

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As part of the expansion, 11 new service providers have joined the Surgery Connect Program across Queensland, including in Mackay, bringing the total number of contracted providers working with Queensland Health to 32.

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The investment builds on the program's existing success, with more than 35,000 elective procedures completed since February 2025. According to the Queensland Government, the state's elective surgery waitlist has also fallen by 8,136 patients from its peak, with 58,496 people currently awaiting surgery.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said Surgery Connect was delivering meaningful outcomes for patients across the state.

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“Every surgery delivered through Surgery Connect is a Queenslander getting their life back sooner,” Mr Nicholls said.

“This $247 million investment will deliver thousands more surgeries and procedures, ensuring more Queenslanders can access the care they need.”

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The funding forms part of the Queensland Government's broader $1.8 billion investment in elective surgery and complements the State's Hospital Rescue Plan, which includes new and expanded hospitals and more than 2,600 additional beds across Queensland.

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