Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) will commence planning for the next iteration of its Joint Regional Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Suicide Prevention (MHSPAOD) Plan, as the current 2021–2026 plan approaches the end of its lifecycle.
Joint regional planning plays a critical role in ensuring Western Queensland communities can access services that are coordinated across settings — particularly important across a geographically dispersed region. The Joint Regional MHSPAOD Plan brings together WQPHN, Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) and system partners to support a more integrated and connected approach to mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention services.
The current Joint Regional MHSPAOD Plan has supported strong collaboration between WQPHN, North West HHS, Central West HHS, South West HHS, Nukal Murra Alliance and other regional stakeholders. Over the past five years, this partnership has helped build a shared understanding of regional needs and establish a foundation for more coordinated system-level action.
As the plan has entered its final year, WQPHN is taking the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and to consider how joint regional planning can be strengthened in the next phase.
“Joint regional planning is an important part of how we work together across Western Queensland to improve outcomes for our communities,” WQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sandy Gillies said.
“The current plan has brought partners together and supported important progress across the region. As we look to the future, we have an opportunity to build on this foundation and ensure our approach continues to meet the needs of local communities.”
Through engagement with stakeholders over the past two years, WQPHN has gained insights into how the current plan has been implemented across the region. Feedback has highlighted the complexity of delivering a single whole-of-region region plan across diverse and remote communities, and the importance of ensuring planning approaches are practical, visible and locally relevant.
In response, WQPHN is exploring a more localised approach to future planning. This is expected to place greater emphasis on sub-regional implementation across North West, Central West and South West Queensland, enabling priorities to better reflect local service environments, workforce realities and community needs.
The next iteration of the Joint Regional MHSPAOD Plan is also expected to take a more streamlined and practical approach, with a focus on clear priorities, defined roles and a stronger emphasis on delivery.
“The next phase of planning will continue to be developed in partnership with HHSs and regional stakeholders,” Ms Gillies said.
“We are committed to building on the work that has already been done, and to working closely with partners and communities to shape localised plans that are relevant and achievable.”
The current Joint Regional MHSPAOD Plan will remain in place through to the end of 2026, while development of the next plan progresses in parallel.
WQPHN will commence sub-regional engagement activity in the second half of the year to inform the next iteration of the plan. Stakeholders and community members will have opportunities to contribute to shaping priorities and future directions.
Further information on consultation opportunities will be shared in coming months.
