- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on another key election commitment, with the site of the new six-bed Youth Step Up, Step Down mental health facility to be located at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service's Vincent Campus.
- The facility is being delivered through the Crisafulli Government's record $33.1 billion Health Budget to restore health services when Queenslanders need them most.
- Construction expected to begin in 2027 and the doors to open in 2028.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services to treat Labor's Health Crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment, after confirming the site for the new Townsville Youth Step Up, Step Down facility to deliver easier access to mental health care for young people across the region. The new facility - which forms part of the Crisafulli Government's fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan - will be delivered at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service's Vincent Campus. The service will offer recovery-focused mental health treatment and support and will help young people avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and support a safe transition home following inpatient care.
Design is progressing for the new six-bed, purpose-built facility which will provide short-term stays of up to 28 days for mental health treatment and support, for young people aged 16 to 21.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services after a decade of decline under Labor, with a record $33.1 billion Health Budget delivering $50 million for two Step Up, Step Down facilities - with another to be delivered in Rockhampton.
The Crisafulli Government is diagnosing, treating and curing Labor's Health Crisis after 10 years of decline in which underfunding, under-resourcing and under-delivering left Queenslanders with a health system in crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the foundation of health services when you need them, with a fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan that includes more than 2,600 extra hospital beds across Queensland.
Construction is expected to commence in 2027, while the facility is expected to open in 2028.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on a key election commitment by investing revenue from the mental health levy into new youth mental health services, including new Youth Step Up, Step Down facilities in Townsville and Rockhampton. "This new Youth Step Up, Step Down facility for Townsville is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering easier access to health services and rebuilding a system left under strain after a decade of decline under Labor," Minister Nicholls said.
"Youth mental health is one of the most pressing challenges facing Queensland families. "We are targeting investment where it is needed most, supporting young people at higher risk of poor mental health with the right care, at the right time, in a culturally safe, supportive setting close to home."
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said securing the facility was a major win for local young people. "Our young people deserve access to high-quality mental health care close to home, and that's exactly what this facility will deliver," Ms Marr said. Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the service would strengthen community-based care across the region. "This service will help make sure young people get the right support at the right time, improving mental health outcomes across North Queensland," Ms Poole said. Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the Step Up, Step Down model helped remove barriers to accessing mental health care. "This will be a safe, supportive setting that will help young people access care before they reach crisis point," Mr Baillie said. Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the new service would help ease pressure on hospitals while keeping care local. "Providing the right care outside a hospital setting helps young people recover while staying connected to their community," Mr Chiesa said.
