Mr Woodhouse told the North Queensland Register that two new houses for doctors are under construction and nearing completion one for a full-time doctor and another for any required locums.

"The process is designed to be an added incentive for a full-time doctor to take up the position available in Julia Creek, and to allow locums their own space when they are relieving," Cr Woodhouse said.

He said that the process has taken approximately 12 months and the residents of McKinlay Shire have been very patient and understanding.

"Residents will be pleased when the houses are finished and a new, full-time doctor appointed," Cr Woodhouse said.

Building the houses has been made possible through a joint application between McKinlay Shire Council and Queensland Health to the Australian Governments Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF) in July 2011.

"Council, keen to ensure a doctor could be appointed as soon as possible, supplied two parcels of land for the houses," Cr Woodhouse said.

"Construction is due to be finished by the end of March."

Mount Isa Health Service will be responsible for the recruitment and placement of the doctor.