Queensland Premier Campbell Newman today announced that Hutchinson Builders had been awarded the tender to build a new 20-bed community care unit in Cairns , delivering a major boost to frontline mental health services.

Mr Newman said the $11 million project would be available to people aged 18 years and over with a focus on the individual’s rehabilitation.

“Community care units provide extended mental health treatment within a residential environment for adults who are recovering from mental illness,” Mr Newman said.

‘‘Community care units have been operating in other parts of Queensland as well as interstate for many years and have yielded extremely positive results.

‘‘They give people who may experience difficulty living independently the assistance they need to make a successful transition to independent living in their communities.

‘‘The federally funded units will see more than $55 million dedicated across Queensland to five new developments.”

Mr Newman said the Government was committed to revitalising existing mental health services for all Queenslanders and this project was an important part of that process.

“Our commitment to improving front line mental health services has been demonstrated by the establishment last year of our new Mental Health Commission,” he said.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg joined Mr Newman on his Cairns visit.
“Mismanagement of our health system and a lack of planning under the former Labor government simply let Queenslanders down,” Mr Springborg said.

“However, by putting patients first, the Newman Government has made significant inroads towards improving the situation.

‘‘This type of care is a great step forward for mental health in Queensland .”

New units in Toowoomba, Cairns and Bundaberg are set for completion later this year, while construction on two further units at Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast will begin later in 2014.