The Cloncurry Chamber of Commerce is calling on the state government to deliver an expansion to the current hospital within the booming town.

Katter’s Australian Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter advised he was prepared to back the Chamber of Commerce on their calls following the growth the town has seen in recent years.

“Cloncurry has seen a 34% increase in population when comparing the most recent census data to the previous set.

“There is currently continuous mining expansion in the region which is obviously having a positive impact on the population.

“Late last year Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited acquired 100% of the Eva Copper Mine Project.

“Eva Copper Mine, located 75 kilometres North of Cloncurry is poised to become the largest new metal mine in North West Queensland

“Mining is a massive draw card and will attract many more people to the region”, said Mr Katter.

“Then on top of this we have had the recent CopperString announcement which will see a further boost in the area which in turn will again attract a larger population.

“These are all great things, and is very promising for the town to see this growth and investment into the region, however now the town needs healthcare to match.

Robbie Katter recently met with Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell to discuss the progress in their push for the extension.

“Mayor Campbell advised me so far, to put it simply, they have had no progress”, said Mr Katter.

“There are big concerns surrounding the compliancy of the hospital itself.

“There is a severe lack of resources, and the ergonomics of the hospital are questionable.

“We understand that there are upgrades announced for additional bathrooms, however does not completely resolve the issue.

“For a town that is a super performer in terms of industry and wealth, the delivery of an extension to the hospital is the least the town deserves.

“This is about rewarding a community that has given so much to Queensland over the years in terms of productivity and wealth.

“There needs to be some give for to coincide with all of the taking the government does from that area.

“At the very least Cloncurry should be delivered the bare minimum.”