Far North Queensland company to build Pormpuraaw primary healthcare centre

The tender to build a vital healthcare service in western Cape York has been approved with works expected to start within months, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui says.

An artist's impression of the Pormpuraaw Primary Healthcare Centre has been released with construction expected to start in the coming months.

The tender to build a vital healthcare service in western Cape York has been approved with works expected to start within months, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui says.

WIP Construction have been awarded the tender to build the Pormpuraaw primary health care centre as part of a $1bn program aimed at improving rural and remote health facilities across Queensland.

Cook MP Cynthia Lui says the new Pormpuraaw Primary Healthcare Centre will be completed in late 2026. Picture: Brendan Radke

The almost 1200sq m facility in Pormpuraaw – which will be built on the site of the existing health facility – will feature a dental suite, consultation and work areas, a pathology room for specimen collection and a culturally appropriate morgue, Ms Lui said.

“This is such an exciting time for the community in and around Pormpuraaw,” she said.

“They deserve a modern facility and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

“We know that the LNP government failed to deliver a single piece of health infrastructure

when they were in government.

“These works highlight our government’s commitment to delivering health services closer to

home for communities, no matter where they live.”

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui has met with Pormpuraaw Primary Healthcare Centre's Melanie Durden this week.

The healthcare centre’s emergency section will be equipped with a procedure and resuscitation room, a treatment room, mobile X-ray facilities, and a decontamination shower.

In addition, the centre will feature six dedicated outpatient consult rooms, allowing for current

and future demand, as well as the needs of visiting health partners such as the Royal Flying

Doctor Service.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman says seven projects in the Torres Strait and Cape York region will be built under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program. Picture: Liam Kidston

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said she was committed to providing “world class” healthcare across the state, including Queensland’s most remote communities.

“We’re committed to improving the standard of healthcare for Queenslanders living in regional, rural, and remote parts of the state,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This investment will ensure enhanced healthcare options for residents of Pormpuraaw and

the surrounding Cape York region.

“The new facility will replace the existing centre, providing modern amenities for both

patients and staff.

“I am proud that we are able to deliver this significant program of works to improve

healthcare for the Cape York region, and look forward to works beginning soon.”

The new healthcare centre is one of seven projects being built under the Building Rural and Remote Health Program across the Torres Strait and Cape York, including in Bamaga, Laura, Boigu, Badu, Lockhart and Horn Island.

WIP Construction is a privately owned Far North Queensland business that also recently completed the $13.3m health centre on Mer Island in the Torres Strait, along with staff accommodation.

Originally published as Far North Queensland company to build Pormpuraaw primary healthcare centre