Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) – together with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) – is pleased to advise Cardwell Family Practice will transition to a private practice model from 1 July 2025.
With funding from the Federal Government’s Thin Markets initiative and following a tender process, Cardwell Family Practice, which will be supported by Ingham Family Medical Practice, will continue to serve the community as it transitions to a local team based in Cardwell.
Appointments and services will not be disrupted through the transition period.
Cardwell Family Practice is the second clinic in northern Queensland to commence operation under the Thin Markets initiative, which is designed to service areas with limited access to primary healthcare. Mission Medical, in Mission Beach, opened under the initiative in November 2024.
In 2023, after Cardwell Family Practice announced it would close and following a community meeting, Townsville HHS took over the short-term management of the practice, while a long-term solution was determined.
A community information session will be held in the coming months to share the long-term vision for the practice, including plans to increase access to general practitioners and health staff to ensure the ongoing availability of primary healthcare services for Cardwell and its surrounds into the future.
More information regarding the community information session will be shared in due course.