A-Z Index | Contact the Department | Search Advanced Search

Home > Ministers > The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform, Minister for Housing and Homelessness > Media Hub > Better Access to Aged Care for Regional Queensland

View by date:

• April
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

• 2013
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2005
  • 2004

Previous Ministers

PDF printable version of Better Access to Aged Care for Regional Queensland (PDF 21 KB)

22 February 2012

Older Australians living in regional Queensland will be able to receive support and care in their community close to their loved ones and friends thanks to a combined investment in aged care services by the Commonwealth, State, and local governments.

The three governments have joined forces to expand and improve residential and community aged care services for older Australians living in Mitchell, Surat and Injune.

The Gillard Government is providing more than $4.5 million for new aged care beds and places, and capital work.

In summary:

• $491,000 will be provided to the Mitchell MPS for 10 permanent flexible residential-based aged care beds and five more community-based aged care places;
• $323,000 for a new MPS at Surat with six high care places and an additional $1.6 million for the upgrade of existing rooms at the Surat hospital to better accommodate up to six older patients; and
• $341,000 for a new MPS at Injune with five high care residential places and three community aged care places, and an additional $1.83 million for a new building at the existing Injune hospital - for up to six older patients

In addition:

• The Queensland Government will provide land and staffing for the expansion of the Mitchell MPS; and
• Maranoa Regional Council will provide $2.7 million for the construction of a new wing to the Mitchell MPS to house the additional beds.

“These new places will help meet the needs of the local ageing population by providing high level residential care, community care, dementia care and respite care services,” Mr Butler said.

“Our investment will mean that more residents will be able to receive the care that they need, closer to their homes and community.”

The MPS program is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Australian Government which aims to enhance health and aged care services.

“The entire community should be proud of the efforts of their local council to ensure the long-term future of aged care services at Mitchell,” Mr Butler said.

“Aged care has been an issue for the local community for some time and this expansion in residential aged care facilities will support those local residents who are at that stage of their lives where they require residential care.”

For more information, please contact the Minister’s Office on 02 6277 7280