The Queensland Government has struck a deal with the Federal Government for an $80 million Federal funding contribution towards the establishment of a new Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton.

The Academy will boost the pipeline of health workers in regional Queensland by helping to fast track high-achieving local students into careers as doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.

The Academy will cater for students from Year 10 to 12 and allow them to gain credit for university health science degrees while still at school, and follow their passion for health sciences without needing to move away from their families or communities.

The Rockhampton campus will be the first regionally-based Queensland Academy, and the Queensland Government will seek to establish a direct partnership with Central Queensland University.

The Federal Government’s $80 million investment will complement the Queensland Government’s existing commitment to this key regional project.

Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the Commonwealth’s financial backing of the project.

“The funding boost from the Federal Government will provide more education opportunities for high achieving students in Central Queensland and fast track them into the health career of their choice,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We are reinforcing the ranks of regional health services to ensure every Queenslander, no matter where they live, has access to quality healthcare.”

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Academy will help to connect students interested in a health career to professionals in health sciences and research.