Work begins on world-class health research facility

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Queensland families will have better protection against tropical diseases with work under way to build a globally significant health research institute in north Queensland.

Science Minister Ian Walker said the new Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine in Townsville would put Queensland at the forefront of tropical health nationally and internationally, part of the government’s strong plan to make Queensland Australia’s powerhouse state.

“This institute will strengthen our tropical health defences and ability to combat biosecurity risks,” Mr Walker said.

“It will also bring jobs to the region through the construction phase and later through training health workers.

“The Can-Do LNP Government is working hard every day to create jobs and opportunities by growing a four pillar economy.

“More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state and this institute will help us continue that trend.

“The Queensland Government has committed $42.12 million to establish the institute across three James Cook University sites in Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island.

“We leveraged an additional $42 million from the Australian Government, creating an $84 million-plus investment in North Queensland.”

James Cook University Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Tropical Health and Medicine Professor Ian Wronski said the Townsville site would provide new laboratory facilities and a new Translational Research Facility adjacent to the Townsville Hospital, meaning the research can be quickly put to use.

“This is an important juncture in the development of research and intellectual leadership for tropical issues, with JCU as a hub for this development,” Professor Wronski said.

The Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island sites will be complemented by a Mackay site, funded solely by the Australian Government. In Townsville, the construction project is valued at $31 million and it comprises the Townsville building and the Translational Research Facility.

The Institute’s research program has already begun with a focus on the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases including Dengue fever, Q fever, streptococcal infections, malaria and tuberculosis.