Introduction

Understanding the health status of regions within Queensland identifies areas of higher need so that health resources can be directed to those areas. This is one part of ensuring an equitable and effective health system.

This section is divided into “Our regional health” and “Our regional lifestyle”. “Our regional health” reports regional mortality rates, hospitalisation rates, cancer indicators and long-term health conditions from the 2021 Census. “Our regional lifestyle” reports regional population prevalences of selected health behaviours, such as daily smoking and obesity.

Regions

The Chief Health Officer report has reported regional health status information since 2014. This is now integrated into the report with information available for the regions below.

Hospital and Health Services

The Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 established Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) as the legislated governance structure for Queensland Health. HHSs are responsible for the clinical and operational governance of their HHS region.

Learn more about HHSs and access Hospital and Health Service maps from the Queensland Health website.

Primary Health Networks

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are independent organisations funded by the Australian Government to manage health regions. PHNs work closely local health care providers and consumers to commission health services that match the needs of the local area.

The Department of Health and Aged Care provides more information about PHNs.

Local Government Areas

Local Government Areas (LGAs) are an administrative division in Australian states and territories. LGAs are responsible for a range of local infrastructure, planning and community services within their defined area. Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is the peak body serving Queensland’s LGAs.

LGA information for several of the modifiable risk factors from the Queensland preventive health survey are available from the Queensland survey analytic system.

This report and the associated products present a selection of available indicators about the health of Queenslanders. Other information may be available. Refer to Data collections available for further information.

Last updated: May 2024