New accommodation funding for health workers

THE Northern NSW Local Health District has announced $34.2 million in new funding for health worker accommodation in Northern NSW.

The investment will secure about 120 dwellings across regional NSW and includes building new homes, refurbishing existing accommodation and purchasing suitable properties such as residential units.

As part of the $200 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program supporting more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW, Lismore and Tweed will benefit from the latest funding round.

It is designed to provide accommodation tO help attract, recruit and retain healthcare workers.

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the State Government was committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers.

Mr Park described them as the backbone of our communities.

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government, and this $34.2 million investment in accommodation will support the attraction of key healthcare workers to Grafton, Lismore and the Tweed,” Mr Park said.

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Northern NSW Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”

The four-year program will support recruiting and retaining more than 500 health workers and their families.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said it was a fundamental regional project.

“This program is working to ensure our frontline health workers who require accommodation have access to modern, sustainable housing,” she said.

Labor spokesperson for Clarence and Tweed Emily Suvaal said the initiative had a double benefit.

“We know that housing is a key issue for many people in our region,” Ms Suvaal said.

“This investment will not only contribute to the wellbeing and retention of health staff but will benefit the wider community by creating additional housing stock in our local area.”