Land has been secured for a new Queensland Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton, clearing another major hurdle for the facility’s planned opening in 2028.
The academy will be developed through a partnership between the Albanese Government, the Crisafulli Government and Central Queensland University, focusing on preparing high-achieving regional students for careers in medicine, nursing, paramedicine and allied health.
The Albanese Government is contributing $80 million towards the $95 million project.
The academy will be built at 550–554 Yaamba Road in Norman Gardens, next to Central Queensland University’s Rockhampton North campus.
Students in Years 10 to 12 will be able to undertake advanced health sciences studies while completing school and earn credit towards university health degrees through the academy’s partnership with CQUniversity.
The model is intended to give regional students a more direct pathway into health professions while allowing them to remain close to their families and communities.
The federal government says the project is aimed at strengthening the regional health workforce and increasing the number of doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals trained in Central Queensland.
Education Minister Jason Clare said securing the site was an important step towards delivering the academy.
“Securing this site is another important step towards making the Rockhampton Health Sciences Academy a reality,” Mr Clare said.
“This Academy will help more young people in Central Queensland become the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals the region needs.
“We’re putting in $80 million to help make that happen. And up to a quarter of a billion more to help more people from Central Queensland get a crack at uni.”
The federal government also has legislation before the Senate that could provide Central Queensland University with up to $260 million in additional funding over the next decade.
The government says that funding would expand access to university education across Central Queensland and help more students study closer to home.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the academy formed part of broader Commonwealth investment in the region.
“The Albanese Government is delivering the infrastructure and facilities communities in Central Queensland need,” Ms King said.
“This health sciences academy is part of our landmark investment in Central Queensland, alongside the $7.2 billion being invested by the Albanese Government in the Bruce Highway safety upgrade.”
The project was also an election commitment of Queensland’s Crisafulli Government.
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the academy would deliver benefits beyond the students who ultimately attend it.
“This was an election-commitment and we’re proud to be delivering it,” Mr Langbroek said.
“It’s a huge investment and an exciting prospect for the students who will attend the new academy, with even broader benefits for the region.”
Mr Langbroek said the academy would work with health providers, education leaders and tertiary institutions to prepare students for health careers and help address regional Queensland’s growing demand for workers.
The academy is expected to provide an accelerated education pathway for academically strong students interested in health-related professions, allowing them to begin university-level study while still completing secondary school.
Its location beside CQUniversity’s Rockhampton campus is intended to strengthen links between secondary schooling, university education and local health services.
Governments have increasingly focused on growing the health workforce outside major metropolitan areas as regional communities face ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining medical and allied health professionals.
The Rockhampton academy is scheduled to open to students in 2028.
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