Julia Creek, a quaint outback town located 600 kilometres from Townsville in Queensland, is once again seeking a general practitioner (GP) after the previous recruitment efforts drew significant attention. In October 2022, Julia Creek garnered headlines when it offered a $500,000 salary along with a rent-free home to attract a GP to the area. This initiative was a success, successfully bringing a doctor to the tight-knit community.
However, two years later, the GP is moving away, prompting the town to renew its search for a medical professional. This time, Julia Creek is enhancing its offer to an impressive salary package of up to $680,000, which includes allowances for both housing and a vehicle. This remuneration significantly surpasses the average GP salaries in Brisbane, which typically range from $260,000 to $280,000, according to Seek, an employment website.
Home to approximately 500 residents, Julia Creek – which proudly markets itself as “a small town with a huge heart” – is part of the McKinlay Shire, which has a larger population of around 1,000. The successful applicant would not only benefit from a lucrative salary but also from a tranquil lifestyle that the ad promotes. With no traffic jams and a scenic backdrop of black soil plains, endless blue skies, and stunning orange sunsets, the town offers a unique living experience.
The local medical facilities include a small six-bed day hospital, staffed by registered nurses and healthcare workers capable of providing basic care and temporary support for emergencies. In the absence of a local doctor, residents would face a considerable journey of 147 kilometres to the nearest healthcare service in Richmond.
Julia Creek is optimistic that the increased salary offer will attract top talent, enhancing healthcare access for its residents while promoting a balanced lifestyle. This blend of competitive compensation and serene living conditions makes the position an appealing opportunity for GPs seeking a change in scenery and pace.