Qld Hydro helps restore GP services to Imbil
Gympie doctors Jeffery Lee, Randal Davis, Georg Pienaar and Karl Berge-Venter will share duties at the new Imbil clinic, while Queensland Hydro pays the rent and utilities.
Gympie
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GP services will return to Imbil later this month, with the newly established Imbil Medical Centre to open on Thursday, February 27.
The GP service arrangement is part of Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program, which was announced last year after consultation with the local community.
Queensland Hydro is constructing the 2.4GW Borumba Pumped Hydro project in the Mary Valley, which is estimated to cost $18.4bn — up 30 per cent from the previous estimate of $14.2bn.
A statement released on Thursday by Queensland Hydro said re-establishment of GP services was one of the early initiatives announced and was being delivered in partnership with the local primary health network, Country to Coast Queensland.
As part of the new arrangement, Queensland Hydro is covering rent and utilities for the clinic, which will be co-located with the Queensland Hydro Imbil Project Office at 6 Imbil Island Road.
“Residents will recognise this address as the previous GP clinic, which was vacated in 2023 after the previous GP clinic closed,” the statement said.
“When Queensland Hydro leased the building after the clinic closed, it identified the need for the GP services to continue and has been working with CCQ to support the return of a GP to Imbil.
“The return of medical services is a fantastic outcome for residents, who have been without a local GP for two years after the previous GP clinic closed, resulting in some people travelling more than an hour to neighbouring towns to see a doctor.”
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said in the statement “the return of GP services was part of a commitment to delivering long-term benefits to the local communities hosting the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project”.
“Queensland Hydro understands the importance of working with the communities near where we operate to leave lasting, positive impacts. We know the return of a GP will be meaningful and provide real benefits to residents in Imbil and the Mary Valley,” Mr Cusack said.
“We continue to engage with the community, listen to their views and seek their input throughout all stages of our project.
“ I’d like to thank Country to Coast for their support to make this happen for the Imbil community. The Queensland Hydro team wishes the new clinic all the very best when it opens later this month.”
Country to Coast Queensland Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said in the statement the return of GP services was a significant milestone for the region’s primary healthcare system.
“Access to general practice is fundamental to good health,” Ms Sturgess said.
“Without it, people delay care, chronic conditions go unmanaged, and preventable hospital visits increase. Restoring GP services to Imbil is a vital step in ensuring the community has reliable, proactive care close to home.
“This partnership between Queensland Hydro, CCQ, Imbil residents and the local medical community demonstrates how collaborative solutions can strengthen healthcare access for rural communities.”
The Imbil Medical Centre is owned and operated by local GPs who also run Southside Medical and Channon Street Medical Centres in Gympie, ensuring continuity of care for many existing patients. The clinic will initially open two days a week, with the potential to expand based on community demand.
Dr Karl Berge-Venter said the return of a local GP service would be welcomed by residents.
“We’re excited to be opening the Imbil Medical Centre. Doctors Jeffery Lee, Randal Davis, Georg Pienaar and myself will be providing rotating GP services – everything from routine check-ups and preventive screenings to managing chronic conditions and performing minor procedures.
“We’re starting with two days a week and may expand if there is community need – we’re also exploring options for allied health and additional support.”
About the Imbil Medical Centre
Imbil Medical Centre will initially operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Patient bookings will open from 17 February via phone or HotDoc (online or in the app). More information on how to book will become available soon.
Residents are invited to join the Imbil Medical Centre team on Thursday 27 February 2025, 10:00am–11:00am, for the official opening, including morning tea and an opportunity to meet staff and visit the centre.
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