The organisation behind a multibillion-dollar energy project west of the Sunshine Coast is helping to re-establish a GP service in a nearby town.
Queensland Hydro, which is delivering Borumba Pumped Hydro, and health network Country to Coast Queensland are supporting the return of a GP to Imbil in the Mary Valley.
The service will be based at the new Imbil Medical Centre, which is set to open on February 27.
The arrangement is part of Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program, which was announced last year after consultation with locals.
Queensland Hydro will cover rent and utilities for the centre, which will be co-located with the Queensland Hydro Imbil Project Office at 6 Imbil Island Road.
That’s the address of the previous GP clinic, which was closed and vacated in 2023.
When Queensland Hydro leased the building after the clinic closed, the group identified the need for health services in the town and has been working with CCQ to support the return of a GP.
Some locals have travelled more than an hour to neighbouring towns to see a doctor during the past couple of years.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said the return of GP services was part of a commitment to delivering long-term benefits to communities hosting the hydro project.
“Queensland Hydro understands the importance of working with the communities near where we operate to leave lasting, positive impacts,” he said.
“We know the return of a GP will be meaningful and provide real benefits to residents in Imbil and the Mary Valley.
“We continue to engage with the community, listen to their views and seek their input throughout all stages of our project.
“I’d like to thank Country to Coast for their support to make this happen for the Imbil community. The Queensland Hydro team wishes the new clinic all the very best when it opens later this month.”
Country to Coast Queensland chief executive Julie Sturgess said the return of GP services will be a significant milestone for the region’s primary healthcare system.
“Access to general practice is fundamental to good health,” she said.
“Without it, people delay care, chronic conditions go unmanaged, and preventable hospital visits increase.
“Restoring GP services to Imbil is a vital step in ensuring the community has reliable, proactive care close to home.
“This partnership between Queensland Hydro, CCQ, Imbil residents and the local medical community demonstrates how collaborative solutions can strengthen healthcare access for rural communities.”
The Imbil Medical Centre is owned and operated by GPs who also run Southside Medical and Channon Street Medical Centres in Gympie, ensuring continuity of care for many existing patients. The clinic will initially open two days per week, with the potential to expand based on community demand.
Dr Karl Berge-Venter said the return of a local GP service would be welcomed by residents.
“We’re excited to be opening the Imbil Medical Centre,” he said.
“Doctors Jeffery Lee, Randal Davis, Georg Pienaar and myself will be providing rotating GP services: everything from routine check-ups and preventive screenings to managing chronic conditions and performing minor procedures.
“We’re starting with two days a week and may expand if there is community need. We’re also exploring options for allied health and additional support.”
The Imbil Medical Centre will initially operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am to 5pm. Patient bookings will open from February 17 via phone or HotDoc (online or in the app). More information on how to book will become available soon.
Residents are invited to join the Imbil Medical Centre team on Thursday, February 27, from 10am to 11am for the official opening.
