A new plan to drive and inform evidence-based service development to strengthen mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention services across northern Queensland was launched in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay this week.
The Joint Regional Wellbeing Plan for northern Queensland 2025-2028 (JRWP) sets out a shared vision of “right support, right place, right time.”
Developed by a steering committee, led by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (HHS), Cairns and Hinterland HHS, Townsville HHS, and Mackay HHS, the plan draws on input from lived experience voices, First Nations communities, community members, government, non-government organisations (NGOs), and local service providers.
The voices of over 400 individuals who experienced navigating complex support systems and the dedicated professionals overcoming multiple barriers have directly informed this plan. Through comprehensive regional consultation, we captured this powerful collective perspective, which has defined four core priorities to direct action to strengthen services over the next three years.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the refreshed plan builds on the original 2021 Wellbeing Plan.
“This plan is about making sure people across northern Queensland can access the right help when and where they need it,” Mr Tooth said.
“It’s been shaped by the voices of the community – people who know the challenges first-hand – and it sets out the direction for building a stronger, more connected system of care.”
Cairns and Hinterland HHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said the plan represented a critical step toward addressing the unique mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drug challenges in the region.
“By prioritising integration and culturally responsive care, we’re committed to ensuring every person in Cairns and Hinterland receives the right support at the right time,” Ms Singh said.
“We’ve listened to our communities, including First Nations voices and those with lived experience, to shape a plan that tackles the high rates of mental health emergencies and homelessness in our region.
“This collaborative approach will strengthen our services and build a more resilient future for northern Queensland.
“This plan’s focus on workforce development and early intervention will help us deliver accessible, culturally safe care, particularly for our rural and remote communities.”
Townsville HHS Mental Health Service Group Director Alice Almeida-Castro said creating the Joint Regional Wellbeing Plan was only the beginning.
“Our true focus is on making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those we serve by developing solutions that genuinely address the needs of our communities,” Ms Almeida-Castro said.
Mackay HHS Acting Chief Executive Jenny Farley said the process of analysing current and future needs in the provision of mental health services was a valuable one.
“Across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service region, we are seeing increasing numbers of patients presenting to our facilities with complex mental health needs,” Ms Farley said.
“Our focus remains on providing a variety of avenues to support these patients, from our Safe Harbour Crisis Support Centre next to the emergency department through to our purpose-built Step Up Step Down residential mental health facility which aids patients during periods of recovery and transition.
“Working together with other government and community support services provides the best way forward in continuing to tackle these complex challenges.”
The JRWP identifies four overarching priorities across northern Queensland:
- Workforce development and capacity
- Integration between and within the mental health, AOD, and suicide prevention sectors
- Prevention and early intervention
- Empowered communities leading coordinated service delivery.
The full JRWP is available to access on the NQPHN website.
Key findings for the Cairns HHS region include:
- 42 per cent of residents reported five or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month (Queensland average: 33 per cent)
- Between 2024-25 and 2029-30, National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF) demand for severe mental illness is projected to grow 8.4%
- There is also expected to be a 7.9% growth in demand from those residents who require services for mild and moderate mental health issues
- 42 per cent of residents drink in ways that increase the risk of alcohol-related disease or injury, and 13 per cent smoke daily.
Key findings for the Townsville HHS region include:
- 35 per cent of residents reported five or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month (Queensland average: 33 per cent)
- Between 2024-25 and 2029-30, National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF) demand for severe mental illness is projected to grow by 7.9%
- There is also expected to be a 7.5% growth in demand from those residents who require services for mild and moderate mental health issues
- 39 per cent of residents drink in ways that increase the risk of alcohol-related disease or injury, and 13 per cent smoke daily.
Key findings for the Mackay HHS region include:
- Mental health-related emergency department (MHED) presentations increased by 12.4% between 2018-19 and 2023-24
- Between 2024-25 and 2029-30, National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF) demand for severe mental illness is projected to grow by 7.4%
- There is also expected to be a 7.1% growth in demand from those residents who require services for mild and moderate mental health issues
- 45 per cent of residents drink in ways that increase the risk of alcohol-related disease or injury, and 17 per cent smoke daily.