GP services will return to Imbil in the Mary Valley, with the newly established Imbil Medical Centre set to open on February 27.
The new Imbil Medical Centre replaces the old clinic which closed in 2023.
The GP service arrangement is part of Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program, which was announced last year after consultation with the local community.
It is being delivered in partnership with the local primary health network, Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ).
As part of the new arrangement, Queensland Hydro is covering rent and utilities for the clinic, which will be co-located with the Queensland Hydro Imbil Project Office at 6 Imbil Island Road.
It is the same location as the previous GP clinic.
When Queensland Hydro leased the building after the clinic closed, it identified the need for the GP services to continue and has been working with CCQ to support the return of a GP to Imbil.
CCQ CEO Julie Sturgess said the return of medical services is a fantastic outcome for residents, who have been without a local GP for two years after the previous GP clinic closed, resulting in some people travelling more than an hour to neighbouring towns to see a doctor.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack says the return of GP services was part of a commitment to delivering long-term benefits to the local communities hosting the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
“Queensland Hydro understands the importance of working with the communities near where we operate to leave lasting, positive impacts. We know the return of a GP will be meaningful and provide real benefits to residents in Imbil and the Mary Valley,” Mr Cusack said.
The Imbil Medical Centre is owned and operated by local 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.
