Deniliquin will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation which will help attract more paramedics to the bush.
This accommodation for Deniliquin is part of the Minns Labor Government's $10 million investment in key health worker housing for paramedics in regional NSW. Additional locations selected on greatest need are being finalised and will be announced in due course.
The $10 million for housing NSW Ambulance personnel is allocated from the Minns Labor Government's $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program which was announced in the 2024/2025 State budget.
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.
It is estimated 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 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).
The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, investing in a record pay increase for paramedics in December 2023, making them among the highest paid in the country and rolling out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
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 including paramedics who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.
"We're committed to strengthening our regional, rural and remote ambulance workforce.
"The provision of simple accommodation close to work is a major drawcard for healthcare workers potentially looking to take up work in the regions."
Quote attributable to the Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
"Paramedics are critical to the safety and wellbeing of rural and remote communities. A funding boost to accommodation for essential workers in Deniliquin will hopefully help recruit more desperately needed health professionals to the area.
"Any investment in rural and remote health care services is always welcomed. Key health workers play a vital role in the wellbeing of communities in the bush and this investment in housing for paramedics in Deniliquin will go a long way to attract first responders to the area."
Quotes attributable to Dr Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive NSW Ambulance:
"Our paramedics play a vital role in delivering life-saving care to communities across NSW, especially in regional and rural areas.
"The people of Deniliquin can have confidence that NSW Ambulance is dedicated to providing high-quality emergency care, in their community and right across the Riverina."
