The new Key Health Worker Accommodation program is aimed at attracting more healthcare workers to regional NSW.
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 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.
Member for Orange, Phil Donato said, “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.”