Wednesday 28 January 2026 – For Immediate Release
A major new report from the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health has found widespread gaps in mental health and psychosocial support across regional, rural and remote Queensland, with many people unable to access help until they reach crisis point. The QAMH Regional, Rural and Remote Insights Report is based on direct consultation with community mental health services across seven regions, including Bundaberg, Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Roma, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast.
Across all regions, services described a system that is increasingly crisis-driven, fragmented and difficult to navigate. Rigid eligibility criteria, workforce shortages, unstable funding and limited early intervention options are leaving people falling through the cracks, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
QAMH Chief Executive Officer Emily Wolter said the findings reveal a consistent pattern of unmet need across the state.
“Where you live in Queensland still determines whether you can access timely mental health support,” Ms Wolter said. “In too many regional and rural communities, people are forced to wait until they are in crisis before help becomes available. By then, the personal and system costs are far higher.”
The report identifies six priority areas for reform, including flexible place-based funding, strengthening the community mental health workforce, improving service navigation and continuity of care, investing in early intervention for children and families, and expanding culturally safe and inclusive models of care.
Despite mounting pressure, community mental health services were found to be holding systems together through local knowledge, relationships and commitment.
“Goodwill and resilience cannot continue to compensate for structural underinvestment. Regional Queensland does not need more short-term programs. It needs stable, long-term investment in community-based mental health support that reflects local realities,” Ms Wolter said.
QAMH will use the report to inform advocacy with state and federal governments, calling for sustained reform to ensure people can access support earlier and closer to home.
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The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) is the peak body for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector in Queensland.
Please consider how you report on mental health issues. Consult mindframe guidelines:
https://mindframe.org.au/mental-health/communicating-about-mental-ill-health/mindframe-guidelines
MEDIA CONTACT
Chloe Jesson (she/her)
Deputy CEO
Email: cjesson@qamh.org.au
