The Queensland Government has come under criticism by a state MP for agreeing to have health care financed by the mining industry. The Queensland Gas company is going to fund the construction of a new satellite renal unit at Gladstone hospital and upgrades to the operating theatre, as announced by Premier Anna Bligh.
The initial construction will be handled by QGC and then the ongoing costs will be handled by Queensland Health. However Gladstone MP Liz Cunningham said that the unit should be the responsibility of the state government. She said that the unit would be of great benefit to the community but it was to be questioned whether this Government is going to fund any infrastructure in Gladstone or is industry going to have to cover the costs of all infrastructure that we will need for the projected population growth?
In response Premier Anna Bligh said that the renal facility was not possible if QGC did not fund it. She said that the service is only possible because not only is the gas company donating money for the capital but the Queensland Government will be funding its operation not just straightaway but forever, that's a commitment of almost a quarter of $1 million.
Mining companies often invest in infrastructure and services in the communities they are a part of as the benefits of doing so are great. The renal unit is slated to be set up by the end of 2011 as are the upgrades to the operating theatre of the hospital.