Mayor’s push for community medical bus service

Whitsunday Regional Council is keen to work with the Federal and State governments and community groups to explore funding for a community medical bus service for the Bowen/Collinsville region.

Mayor Julie Hall said this service would be invaluable for families who needed to travel long distances for medical care.

“Our Economic Development team are working to explore potential funding opportunities for a community minibus for Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds to transport patients to Townsville for regular medical appointments,” she said.

“Council contributed $20,000 to the Mackay Hospital Foundation several years ago towards providing a community medical bus service to transport patients from Proserpine and Airlie Beach residents to Mackay Hospital and the Icon Cancer Centre for medical appointments.

“However, there is currently no such service for residents in the northern end of the Whitsundays.”

Mayor Hall said ensuring access to this service for regional communities is so important, but it will be no quick fix as there are multiple funding, legal and operational logistics to be negotiated.

“I had a chat to the ladies at the Pink Stumps Day in Bowen in February and it was sad to hear how people with cancer are missing out on vital treatment because they can’t get to their hospital appointments.

“This is something that is affecting our whole region so Council will work with our Federal and State government representatives, community and not-for-profit groups to explore options and advocate for on-going funding to ensure the service is viable and operates to meet our residents’ needs,” Mayor Hall said.