Regional communities across NSW are set to benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation which will help attract more paramedics to the bush.
The Minns Labor Government will invest $10 million in health worker housing for paramedics in regional 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 $200.1 million 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).
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 who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.
“Strengthening our regional ambulance workforce is a key priority for our government and this $10 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of paramedics to the regions.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty MLC:
“Providing modern, sustainable and secure staff accommodation in regional, rural and remote locations will help to attract and retain paramedics.
“This $10 million boost to accommodation for our paramedic workforce follows the rollout of an additional 500 paramedics for regional and rural NSW and will support NSW Ambulance staff who take on these positions.”
Quote attributable to Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary:
"The housing crisis can become a healthcare crisis for rural and regional towns if we can't provide safe and secure housing for essential workers, so we welcome more accommodation for our hard-working paramedics.
"Paramedics are invaluable to regional and rural towns. They deserve to be supported to care for people in those areas. Removing the stress of finding safe, secure and affordable housing is a big part of recognising the value of these essential workers."