Toowoomba Hospital: David Janetzki says LNP will deliver $1.3bn project as pressure mounts from unions over funding

Unions and local federal election candidates have heaped more pressure on David Janetzki and the LNP to fast-track the new Toowoomba Hospital, following revelations around delays to funding.

Queensland treasurer and Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki says the government will deliver the city a new hospital, but can’t reveal when the next package of major works will be released.

Unions and local federal election candidates have heaped more pressure on Mr Janetzki and the LNP to fast-track the new Toowoomba Hospital, after workers this week revealed construction had virtually ground to a halt at Baillie Henderson for a project that is supposed to be ready by 2027.

Construction of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus is seen from Old Goombungee Rd. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With early works nearly finished, it is understood lead contractor John Holland has been given no clue as to when the next tender would be available.

As a result, major infrastructure like tower cranes might not be installed until August, with insiders saying the project had already been delayed by a year until at least 2028.

The LNP has received the results of a review of major health projects by infrastructure expert Sam Sangster, but has yet to publish or act on them.

A flyover of what the new Toowoomba Hospital precinct will look like at Baillie Henderson in Cranley, courtesy of contractor John Holland and Darling Downs Health.

After firing shots at his predecessor Cameron Dick on Monday, Mr Janetzki directly responded to questions by News Corp over the delays in funding.

“The Crisafulli Government will deliver a hospital that Toowoomba deserves – this would never have happened under Labor,” he said in a statement.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos – APRIL 8, 2025. Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki delivers a keynote address to the Queensland Energy Club. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

“The report will be released once the Government’s had an opportunity to consider it.

“We’ll consider the report calmly and methodically.”

It comes as Electrical Trades Union local organiser Damian Hewat accused the treasurer of “playing the blame game” rather than addressing issues with the hospital.

Electrical Trades Union organiser Damian Hewat speaking at the Toowoomba Labour Day march and flag raising, Saturday, May 4, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Since the LNP state government won last year’s election there has been uncertainty on when funding for the new Toowoomba Hospital will be announced,” he said.

“Month after month existing funding is running out with no certainty of if or when further funding commitments will be made.

“The more delays on a funding commitment will only drive-up costs and in turn end with a reduced capacity, which we all cannot afford.”

Independent election candidate Suzie Holt, who is hoping to unseat incumbent MP Garth Hamilton in Groom, said successive state governments had failed to deliver critical infrastructure for Toowoomba.

“The previous State Government downgraded the hospital’s planned upgrade, stripping away its tertiary capability, losing capacity for certain procedures like eye surgery, and splitting the project across two sites,” she said.

Suzie Holt. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Now, the current government has mismanaged the project, leading to further delays and cost blowouts.

“It’s time for the federal government to step up and contribute to this project.”

Originally published as Toowoomba Hospital: David Janetzki says LNP will deliver $1.3bn project as pressure mounts from unions over funding