In the heart of outback Queensland, the small town of Julia Creek is offering a staggering $680,000 salary in a bid to attract a general practitioner (GP). Despite the lucrative package, the town has struggled to fill the position, highlighting the ongoing healthcare crisis in remote Australia.
A town in need of a doctor
Located in McKinlay Shire, Julia Creek is a 17-hour drive northwest of Brisbane and home to just 549 residents. The town’s only doctor, Dr. Adam Louws, is set to leave after two years, prompting local officials to launch a nationwide search for a replacement.
According to Yahoo Finance, the offer includes a salary range from $476,082 to $680,277, as well as additional incentives to make the role more appealing. The chosen candidate will receive free accommodation, allowing them to live in the town without worrying about housing costs.
They will also be granted five weeks of annual leave and 3.6 weeks of professional development leave, ensuring they have time to rest and improve their skills.
To further sweeten the deal, the position comes with a vehicle allowance and both regional and rural attraction incentives, along with a retention bonus to encourage long-term commitment.
Despite these benefits, the role remains vacant.
More than just a high salary
The position demands more than just clinical expertise. The incoming doctor will be responsible for primary care services, emergency treatments, hospital inpatients, and aged care residents.
The job posting describes the role as requiring the GP to work across multiple settings, including the local hospital’s emergency department. This means the doctor must be comfortable handling a wide range of medical cases, often with limited resources and without the immediate support of specialists typically available in urban hospitals.
Dr. Louws’ departure is not due to dissatisfaction but family obligations. “My four kids are getting older, and I have some family issues to attend to,” he said. His decision underscores a key challenge for rural healthcare: attracting professionals who are willing to commit long-term.
Many doctors hesitate to relocate to remote towns due to concerns about professional isolation and the lack of social infrastructure for their families. Even with a high salary, the lifestyle demands can be a deterrent.
A recurring challenge in rural healthcare
Julia Creek is not alone in its struggle to secure medical staff. Rural Australia has faced chronic shortages of healthcare professionals, with many towns offering substantial financial incentives yet failing to attract long-term candidates.
One of the biggest hurdles is professional isolation. Unlike in urban settings where doctors work within large medical networks, rural GPs often operate alone, handling complex cases with minimal support. This can lead to high levels of stress and burnout, making retention difficult.
Limited career growth opportunities also play a role. In metropolitan hospitals, doctors have access to specialist training, research opportunities, and career advancement programs. In contrast, rural practitioners may feel their professional development is restricted.
Additionally, the lack of infrastructure in remote towns can be a significant factor. Many doctors are reluctant to move their families to areas where schooling, entertainment, and social amenities are limited.
The town had previously offered $500,000 for the role before Dr. Louws’ arrival. The new salary increase is meant to entice candidates, but so far, no applications have been successful.
You can apply for the job here.
