Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that residents of the Charters Towers Region need a new hospital to improve the provision of medical care in their local community. Benefits include:

1. a state of the art medical facility with state of the art medical equipment and surgical facilities for improved health outcomes through treatment within their own community;

2. reduction in travel and accommodation costs for patients, families having to travel and stay over in Townsville to obtain medical treatment, as well as a reduction in hardship and stress;

3. increased privacy for families of patients at end of life and for patients in general, instead of being separated by a paper curtain;

4. amount of amenities servicing the wards to be increased from the current situation;

5. providing opportunity for babies to be born in Charters Towers instead of Townsville;

6. supporting the Traditional Owners of the area to assist in their healing and recovery by not having to leave Country to seek medical help;

7. employment of skilled medical professionals in the Charters Towers Region which will attract new residents, help to retain existing professionals and deliver local economic benefits;

8. developing medical training capability in partnership with James Cook University Medical School.;

9. Invigorate construction activity, boost employment and attract other investment;

10. Improve parking and access;

11. Increase health and well-being of residents.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to construct a new hospital in Charters Towers.