Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in partnership with the Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay Hospital and Health Services, has released its 2025-2028 Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA) – a comprehensive assessment of current and emerging health needs across the region
The JRNA draws on extensive community input, lived experience, and robust health data to guide where investment, innovation, and collaboration will have the greatest impact.
Key statistics
- 3 per cent of our population self-rated their health to be excellent, very good, or good (2021-22).
- 3 per cent of the northern Queensland population have one or more long-term health conditions compared to 32.9 per cent of Queensland state.
- For our region, there has been an increase in the number of notifications of Influenza over the last two years (Queensland Health, 2024).
- For our region, 83 per cent of our population received a Medicare-subsidised GP attendance in 2022-23.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the report builds a shared understanding of North Queensland’s unique regional health needs and service gaps, as well as identifying opportunities.
“Northern Queensland covers more than half a million square kilometres, with communities ranging from busy regional centres to some of the most remote islands in Australia,” said Mr Tooth.
“The JRNA gives us evidence that allows the health system to work together and focus on what matters most.
“Specifically, improving access to care, supporting mental wellbeing, preventing and managing chronic conditions, giving children the healthiest start to life, promoting healthy lifestyles, and building a strong and sustainable workforce.”
The 10 key themes identified in the JRNA across northern Queensland include:
- Access
- Child and maternal health
- Chronic conditions
- Equity
- First Nations health
- Healthy living
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Older persons health
- Preventative health
- Workforce.
“Through our partnership with NQPHN and other hospital services, the JRNA aims to unite our expertise to identify the unique health challenges faced by northern Queensland communities and explore potential solutions,” said Leena Singh, Chief Executive, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.
“By combining our knowledge, we strive to develop practical, evidence-based strategies to enhance health outcomes for our communities.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the JRNA was a great display of collaboration between the NQPHN and the HHSs and a step forward for health equity.
“The report has identified the key areas of concern for the region, not just from consumers, but for our staff who will be able to build on the progress already made and help strengthen the healthcare system,” Mr Keyes said.
“I’d like to thank all the staff, stakeholders, and consumers who took the time to share their concerns, achievements, and aspirations for healthcare in the region by taking the time to participate in the JRNA.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon said the JRNA provides a valuable opportunity for key agencies to work together to help ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.
“This area needs assessment process provides an opportunity for us to collaborate with our health service partners in the region on our shared health care priorities,” she said.
“This valuable information can then be utilised to help inform planning, engagement, evaluation and the allocation of our finite resources.”
Rex O’Rourke, Health Service Chief Executive, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service said the JRNA was a critical step towards achieving health equity across their communities.
“The joint approach, involving the four Hospital and Health Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations, and led by NQPHN has provided an overarching assessment of the healthcare needs of our respective regions,” he said.
“The report represents a platform from which to build upon our achievements and focus on the wellbeing of patients, their families and carers.
“Shaping the healthcare environment in our region for the better is a humbling responsibility to assume but with efforts such as the JRNA, we are much better placed to fulfill our purpose than we ever have been.
“My heartfelt thanks go to all the staff, stakeholders, community-controlled organisations, community elders and partners in health who contributed to this report. Together we can affect real change to achieve equitable care.”
NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth added that the JRNA is a practical, solutions-focused report for the next three years.
“It provides the foundation for future planning and investment that responds to the unique needs of our region,” said Mr Tooth.
“By working with our partners, listening to our communities, and using data to guide decisions, we can deliver a healthier future for all northern Queenslanders.”
The full JRNA is available to access on the NQPHN website.
