Budget 2021: Community leaders disappointed in lack of hospital redevelopment funding

‘We are disappointed that we didn’t see funding in the budget for the Baillie Henderson Redevelopment for the Toowoomba Hospital.’

Community leaders have been left scratching their heads at why the Toowoomba Hospital redevelopment was left out in the cold in Tuesday’s Queensland Government budget.

As part of a $1.1 billion investment in the Darling Downs and South West Hospital and Health Services the budget includes plans for a two-theatre day surgery unit at Baillie Henderson Hospital Campus.

However, despite the Palaszczuk Government and Treasurer Cameron Dick spruiking the establishment of a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund to assist in meeting growth pressures across the health system, there has been no word on whether the Toowoomba Hospital upgrade is included in the fund.

An artist’s impressions of the new Toowoomba Hospital at the site of the old Baillie Henderson Hospital. Photo: Supplied.

“We are disappointed that we didn’t see funding in the budget for the Baillie Henderson Redevelopment for the Toowoomba Hospital, we know that’s really important and absolutely necessary for the local health sector,” Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said.

“It is good to see $5.9 million in today’s budget for the Toowoomba Day Surgery Theatre at the Baillie Henderson site. That’s part of a Hospital Building Fund of $2 million and we’re hoping there’s funds in there to redevelop Baillie Henderson.”

Ali Davenport, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO.

Ms Davenport said she was pleased to see support for the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct, which she believes will transform the Darling Downs region.

“There are so many jobs involved so it’s good to see the Queensland Government supporting the project, and TSBE will continue advocating for the Federal Government to also commit,” she said.

“There are a number of projects that had already been announced but any support that we can have for our region is absolutely vital as we’re coming out of this Covid-19 recovery and making sure that our region can thrive in the future.”