With an aim to help Noosa’s ageing population, Icon will build a new, state-of-the-art radiation oncology service in Noosa at Stockwell’s Noosa Civic Medihub.
The Noosa and Noosa Hinterland region has experienced an annual population growth of 2.3 per cent in the past decade, compared to 1.5 per cent across the state, with over 25 per cent of the region’s population aged 65 years and older.
With latest figures showing one in two older Australians will receive a cancer diagnosis by the time they are 85, Icon Group chief executive officer Mark Middleton said they know how important access to cancer treatment will be for the community to meet this growing need.
Icon Cancer Centre Noosa will provide cutting-edge radiation therapy technology, including an advanced Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. The service will treat all tumour streams and provide over 900 new courses of radiation therapy each year.
“Icon Cancer Centre Noosa will deliver the best possible cancer care closer to home, making a significant difference to local cancer patients and their families for many years to come,” Mr Middleton said.
The Noosa Civic Medihub is part of the Noosa Business Centre owned and managed by private Queensland property company Stockwell and is the first step in providing tertiary health care for the local community with no need to travel outside the local area to access services.
The Medihub was approved by Noosa Shire Council in August 2022.
Cr Clare Stewart, Mayor Noosa Shire Council said, “To have a world-class cancer service in Noosa is a major benefit to our community and provides high quality health services closer to home.”
“This investment is good for the local economy and important for those living with cancer in the community,” she said.
“I am very proud of Noosa Council’s support of the Medihub which will provide life changing and life saving medical services to our community. No longer will our residents have to leave the Shire for treatment. It is a game changer for so many in our community, not just those dealing with cancer and other critical health issues but also their families, friends and loved ones who provide care and support.”
Along with Icon Cancer Centre, Noosa Civic Family Practice will be relocating to the Medihub. Leases are also being finalised with Cardiology and Pathology service providers.
Stockwell’s managing director, Mark Stockwell said he and the team at Stockwell are excited about what the future holds for the Medihub and broader Noosa Business Centre with Stockwell being the original creator and builder of Noosa Civic.
Damian Glover, Medical Centre operations manager said, “Noosa Civic Family Practice is very excited to be relocating into the Noosa Civic Medihub. The increased space and modern facilities will allow us to recruit quality General Practitioners which will result in greater access to healthcare for the Noosa community. We are also confident our patients will achieve improved health outcomes thanks to the integrated health care environment that the Medihub development encourages.”
“We developed Noosa Civic 17 years ago and the Medihub is the first development since 2006. We are continuing to work with Council and the community to deliver on the Noosa Shire Council’s vision to broaden the economic base.
“We enjoy continued support from the local community and enthusiasm from businesses such as Icon to join us which has given us the confidence to move ahead with our plans.
“We recently completed subdivision works for the Business Centre delivering roads and infrastructure and creating opportunities in areas of commercial, residential, medical and health, start-ups, entertainment, and leisure.”
Stockwell Design and Construction has been appointed as builder with works set to commence in March 2023.
