A long‑term vision for the future of Cairns Hospital has been unveiled, outlining more than a billion dollars in upgrades that will reshape both the hospital and the surrounding CBD. The masterplan sets out a major expansion of services, new facilities and modernised infrastructure to meet the growing health needs of Far North Queensland.
The first stage includes a new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre with at least 40 additional beds, a Health Management Hub, a multi‑storey staff car park and a cyclone‑rated rooftop helipad. Support services such as medical imaging, pathology, pharmacy and sterilising facilities will also be expanded.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with Stage 1 scheduled for completion in 2031. To make way for the redevelopment, Queensland Health will acquire land next to the existing hospital to allow new buildings to be co‑located on the same precinct.
Future stages propose a new acute services building connected to the surgical centre and the current hospital, along with refurbishments and redevelopment across parts of the existing site. Queensland Health says it will work closely with affected landowners, businesses and community services throughout the process.
Local health leaders say the redevelopment will strengthen Cairns’ role as the major health hub for the Far North, support clinical training and research partnerships, and help attract and retain skilled workers. They also expect the project to deliver economic benefits for the region through investment, jobs and the growth of the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct.
The masterplan marks a significant step toward ensuring Cairns Hospital can continue delivering high‑quality care for communities across the Far North for decades to come.
