2014 is looking better for rural health services and residents.

Lawrence Springborg has helped rural communities find their voices. He says “the future of rural health looks bright, with $82 million rural revitalisation packaged allocated in this year’s budget.

He says the commitment of the Newman government to expand rural healthcare is already being seen across the state with the increase of flying obstetricians, the recommencement of birthing services and namely the expansion of the telehealth service.

“Thirty-nine million dollars over four years will be used to establish a rural telehealth service that will give local residents in participating facilities access to specialist doctors in Queensland’s best hospitals without the need to travel,” Mr Springborg said.

Seven evaluation sites have been established in rural and remote communities to trial ways of expanding the use of telelhealth in rural areas. These seven sites are Normanton, Alpha, Eidsvold, Moura, Kowanyama, Roma and Bedourie.