Cairns University Hospital: JCU ready to build but land buy bidding war remains

The State Government could enter a $25 million bidding war with other big-spending private companies eyeing off the Cairns University Hospital land.

JAMES Cook University is ready to get started on a $50m research facility beside the Cairns Hospital as soon as the land has been bought – but several major hurdles must first be passed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week announced $15m to buy the property required for the Cairns University Hospital project.

The state government is looking at four separate parcels of land, the chief of which is a sprawling outdoor carpark owned by Cock ‘n’ Bull publican Graham Johnston.

No offer has been officially made by the government but the Cairns Post understands other major commercial players have expressed interest in buying and developing the site, and have put big money on the table.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced $52.9 million in funding for the Cairns Hospital, which includes $1.5m for a business study into a tertiary training partnership with James Cook University. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Tina Chinery, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chairman Clive Skarrott and James Cook University Vice Chancellor Sandra Harding in front of the Cairns Hospital. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

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The federal government has already set aside $10m for land and $50m to build JCU’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre within the medical research precinct.

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch and Cairns MP Michael Healy confirmed on Friday that the university could push ahead with its project as soon as the land was secured.

It would not need the state government to first come good on the remaining $163.5m to build its tertiary hospital redevelopment.

JCU Cairns campus director David Craig said the institution wanted to get started.

“Assuming we can acquire the right site our aim is to move as quickly as possible, and ideally engage with the construction industry in 2021,” he said.

There are still steps ahead.

CHHHS clinical director of paediatrics Dr Neil Archer is backing calls for a Cairns University Hospital to greatly improve treatment for babies in remote areas of Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait. Dr Neil Archer with 35-week-old Akiera Hawes from Innisfail in the Cairns Hospital paediatrics ward. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

“Firstly, a site needs to be secured,” Dr Craig said.

“A number of sites are being considered but none has been chosen at this stage.

“Once a site is secured, our first priorities will be to complete the briefing phase and undertake masterplanning.

“Once we’ve completed briefing, planning and consultation with stakeholders – including Cairns Regional Council – the university will then proceed with the usual tendering processes for design, construction and fit-out of the building.”

Mr Johnston, who did not wish to comment, and owners of other sites included in the package could find themselves in a bidding war for their land.

Originally published as Cairns University Hospital: JCU ready to build but land buy bidding war remains