The Queensland Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering easier access to health services for Central Queensland with $95 million to build the new Health Sciences Academy to train the next generation of health workers, a Step-Up, Step-Down service for Rockhampton, and Master Planning for upgrades to the Rockhampton Hospital.

The Health Sciences Academy will provide students in Years 10 to 12 with the opportunity to pursue their passion for healthcare through vocational education, training opportunities, and tertiary pathways.

This will enable aspiring doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals to get a head start by gaining knowledge and skills in their chosen health career, while they complete their secondary schooling close to home.

This investment will create the first regionally based Queensland Academy, helping secure a pipeline of skilled health workers in the regions.

The Queensland Government’s 2025-26 Budget includes a $50 million investment in two new youth Step-Up, Step-Down services – with the first one to be delivered in Rockhampton – to support vulnerable young Queenslanders in need of assistance.

The facility is just one of the projects to be delivered under the Hospital Rescue Plan and will provide short-stay, intensive mental health treatment and support for young Queenslanders closer to home.

The Hospital Rescue Plan also delivers more than $36 million to fund the new Cardiac Hybrid Theatre at the Rockhampton Hospital, delivering easier access to health services.

Master planning for the redevelopment of the Rockhampton Hospital will also be completed under the Hospital Rescue Plan. This includes extending the facilities at the vacated Central Queensland University city campus site on Canning Street – delivered under an agreement secured by the Queensland Government.

The Budget also funds a major boost to health workers for Central Queensland, growing health workers to 3,736 full-time employees.

Premier David Crisafulli said the record health Budget delivered a fresh start for Central Queensland.

“We are delivering a fully funded Hospital Rescue Plan to provide Central Queenslanders with easier access to health services with a new Step-Up Step-Down youth mental health service, a new cardiac hybrid theatre for the hospital and planning for the future redevelopment of the hospital,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“To secure the health workers for Central Queensland’s future, a new Health Sciences Academy will be built in Rockhampton, helping to fast-track young people into health careers.

“We are determined to deliver the next generation of health professionals – including nurses, doctors and paramedics – that Central Queensland needs by developing their skills right here at home.”

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the investment was a major step forward for health services in Central Queensland.

“The Health Sciences Academy will open pathways for students right across Central Queensland and help them into vital healthcare roles on the frontline throughout the region,” Mr Hutton said.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said regional communities across Central Queensland would benefit from the record health investment.

“This is about making sure rural and regional Queenslanders have access to the health services they need and deserve, no matter where they live,” Mr Kelly said.

Further information is available at www.qed.qld.gov.au/programs-initiatives/department/building-education/new-schools/planning-for-new-schools