Premier Chris Minns said the funding, included in the 2024-25 NSW Budget, would attract more healthcare workers to regional and rural NSW. Photo: Screenshot.
The NSW Government has committed more than $200 million to healthcare worker accommodation in the budget – with some lodgings to be located on the South Coast.
“This is a must-have investment in the state’s regional and rural health workforce,” said NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.
“This additional $200.1 million investment will build on the NSW Government’s commitment to recruit and retain health workers in regional and remote parts of the state.
“We can afford to do this because cutting the state’s debt means we’ve cut the state’s interest bill. And we’re using those savings to make a difference for health workers and the communities they live in.”
Under the plan, about 120 dwellings will be secured for healthcare workers and their families, some of which will be located in the Eurobodalla.
This may include building new accommodation, refurbishing existing housing, and possibly purchasing suitable properties such as motels.
The funding, included as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget, is intended to support the recruitment of more than 500 health workers and their families in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW.
The accommodation will be delivered over the next four years.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said affordable and accessible accommodation was key in attracting and retaining healthcare workers.
“Our budget is focused on strengthening and supporting our highly skilled health workforce to ensure NSW’s regional and rural communities have access to high-quality healthcare close to home,” he said.
“Based on early mapping and surveying of key worker accommodation requirements, we know that it is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
“There will be a variety of solutions for each selected location. This is about tailoring solutions to the needs of the specific communities.”
NSW Health will work with the Southern NSW Local Health District, NSW Ambulance, Homes NSW, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to understand what each area needs.
The planning and design process of the units will also be developed in close consultation with health workers.
This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Far West Local Health Districts, which commenced in 2024 and will continue to be rolled out through 2025.
“I thank the Minister for Health and Regional Health and the Treasurer for this investment into the necessary housing infrastructure which will transform the rural health workforce capacity in the Eurobodalla,” said Member for Bega Doctor Michael Holland.
“In addition to building the $330 million Level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, this is a commitment to the human capital required to staff and maintain the local healthcare workforce.”
Early assessment for this project has identified a number of possible locations for the housing, such as the Eurobodalla, as well as Lismore, Lake Cargelligo and Tweed Heads.
The government will prioritise providing housing options in areas that most need to attract workers and deliver healthcare accessibility.
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