Economic Needs Analysis Report · MCU15/0122

generate a strong propensity for demand for health care service, therefore a higher frequency
of utilisation of medical services. For instance, the Country to Coast Public Health Network
(PHN) (formerly Sunshine Coast Medicare Locals) identifies the Noosa-Noosaville area as
having a particularly high prevalence of female osteoporosis, which would create an
additional level of demand for access to specialist services such as radiology and physicians
specialising in rheumatology or geriatrics.

On this basis, Urban Economics suggests that an above average provision of GPs and
specialists should be targeted for the Catchment Area, particularly within locations proximate
to the Noosa Hospital.

It is therefore Urban Economics’ opinion that the supply of GPs within the Catchment Area
is appropriate however, there is a gross undersupply of specialist services which are
convenient and accessible to Catchment Area residents, especially in light of the high risk
factors present in the community, ongoing population growth and strong propensity of
demand for health services which would exacerbate this under supply scenario.




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