- Land secured for new Queensland Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton.
- Academy promises fast-tracked pathways to health careers for Queensland students.
- Partnership between the Crisafulli Government, Albanese Government and Central Queensland University to invest in regional infrastructure.
- The Crisafulli Government delivers on election commitment, with accelerated project scheduled for completion in 2028.
Fast-tracked careers in health have moved a step closer for Central Queensland school students, with land secured for the new Queensland Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton, set to open from 2028.
The academy will support high-achieving local students into careers as doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals in Central Queensland.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering $95 million for capital expenditure.
Securing the site is a significant step towards delivering the new academy for Central Queensland students.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on an election commitment, and the academy was an investment in regional infrastructure and educational opportunities to develop the next generation of home-grown doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. “This was an election-commitment and we’re proud to be delivering it,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland’s future. And this is a huge investment and an exciting prospect for the students who will attend the new academy, with even broader benefits for the region.
“The Queensland Academy for Health Sciences, Rockhampton will feature purpose-built state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high-quality and specialised learning in health sciences.
“A combination of on-site specialist facilities and shared and virtual learning capabilities means students in regional and remote areas will have access to the academy’s programs.
“A partnership with CQU and the existing network of Queensland Academies will provide regional students with access to high-quality educational resources, programs and expertise, including pathway opportunities into tertiary study and exposure to university learning environments.
“The academy will work in collaboration with health providers, education leaders and tertiary institutions and will help address regional Queensland’s growing demand for health workers by preparing students for careers in health.”
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said securing the land was a significant milestone for what is a landmark project for Rockhampton and Central Queensland.
“Securing this site is another important step towards making the Rockhampton Health Sciences Academy a reality,” Minister Clare said.
“This Academy will help more young people in Central Queensland become the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals the region needs. The academy is on an accelerated program to support opening in 2028 on the site adjacent to the Central Queensland University Rockhampton North campus.
It is located at 550-554 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, adjacent to but separate from – the CQU campus.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp said the Health Sciences Academy will complement CQUniversity’s longstanding work in building a strong healthcare workforce by inspiring more local students to pursue health careers and providing early exposure to health education pathways.
