A “must-have” funding boost for health worker accommodation is designed to help key medical staff beat housing pressures in regional and rural areas.
The day before delivering the state budget, the NSW government has announced $200 million in funding for regional health staff accommodation, targeting a 500-worker boost for the under-pressure areas.
It will buy 120 dwellings, including the possible purchase of motels and other suitable properties along with building new accommodation and refurbishing old sites.
Locations flagged for investment include Lismore, Lake Cargelligo, Tweed Heads and the Eurobodalla.
The government has promised a no-frills budget as cost-of-living pressures crunch everyday Australians.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said trimming debt and getting the state interest bill down made the vital spending possible.
“We’re using those savings to make a difference for health workers and the communities they live in,” he said.
“This is a must-have investment in the state’s regional and rural health workforce … this additional investment will build on the government’s commitment to recruit and retain health workers in regional and remote parts of the state.”
On Sunday, the government said it will spend $420 million accommodating essential workers around the state, building apartments for nurses, paramedics, teachers and more.
It also recently pledged $45 million for healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Far West districts.
Consultation with the local health districts, paramedics and housing bodies will shape the regional investment, with accommodation set to be delivered over the next four years.
“Based on early mapping and surveying of key worker accommodation requirements, we know that it is ‘not a one-size-fits-all’ approach,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
“There will be a variety of solutions for each selected location. This is about tailoring solutions to the needs of the specific communities.”