Glen Innes Severn Council has welcomed the opening of the region’s first computed tomography (CT) service, saying it will improve access to care and reduce the need for residents to travel.
The service, operated by locally owned New England CT Pty Ltd, began operating last week from a refurbished site at 148 Church Street. The project followed council’s March 2025 decision to sell 146 Church Street and part of 148 Church Street, formerly the Essential Energy site.
Mayor Margot Davis said the facility was a direct outcome of that decision.
“This facility is here because council chose to make the site available for this purpose,” Davis said. “It is a significant step forward for local health access and a strong outcome for our community.”
The front portion of 148 Church Street has been converted into a purpose-built imaging clinic. The adjoining property at 146 Church Street, which includes a dwelling, is earmarked for future upgrades to accommodate resident doctors and visiting specialists.
Davis said the project demonstrated how council assets could be used to support private investment aligned with community needs.
“Access to local diagnostic imaging will improve health outcomes, reduce travel and strengthen our ability to attract and retain healthcare professionals,” she said.
Council said more than 100 patients had used the service within its first few days, avoiding travel to other regional centres and receiving results more quickly.
New England CT director Simon Betts said the service aimed to address long-standing gaps in regional healthcare access.
“For too long, people in Glen Innes and surrounding areas have had to travel significant distances for CT imaging,” Betts said. “Providing this service locally means faster diagnoses, less stress for patients and better outcomes.”
Betts said the facility was designed to support both patients and referring clinicians.
Council said it would continue to consider options for the remainder of the site following community consultation conducted last year, and acknowledged the company’s investment in local health infrastructure.
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