Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange are set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers.
The Minns Labor Government will invest $24.7 million in health worker housing in Western NSW as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.
The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
The Western NSW Local Health District has already progressed to purchase a number of residential units in Orange as part of this funding tranche, with planning also underway at Bathurst and Dubbo.
The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government's $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.
"Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our Government and this $24.7 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo.
"The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support the Western NSW Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Bathurst and Dubbo, Stephen Lawrence MLC:
"Providing comfortable and safe accommodation is a key part of our commitment to strengthening the regional, rural and remote health workforce.
"This latest tranche of funding will be targeted at the cities of Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo, and builds on the success we've had in a number of other NSW rural communities, both small and large, in providing healthcare worker accommodation.
Quotes attributable to Member for Orange, Phil Donato:
"Having our own accommodation stock is a huge advantage for the Local Health District to attract new staff who might need some assistance as they settle into their new community. It also means we have quality accommodation available for visiting staff or for students undertaking clinical placements.
"While offering this accommodation provides more certainty and flexibility for our health staff, it also contributes to relieving some of the pressure in our local housing markets."
