REGIONAL communities across New South Wales are set to receive a significant boost thanks to the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
Designed to attract more paramedics to regional areas, the Minns Labor Government is investing $10 million in health worker housing for paramedics in regional areas of NSW.
This initiative is part of a project of $200.1 million that is aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure across rural, regional, and remote parts of the state.
The program will support 20 projects throughout NSW, will include the construction of new accommodations, the refurbishment of existing quarters, and the purchase of residential units.
In total this funding will secure around 120 homes, making it easier for paramedics to live and work in regional communities.
The four-year program is expected to play a critical role in the recruitment of more than 500 health workers and their families, with a range of housing options according to their needs.
The initiative builds upon the success of the NSW Government’s previous $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodations across five regional local health districts.
These districts include Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England, and Western NSW.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern and sustainable accommodation options,” said the Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park.
“This is for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.
“Strengthening our regional ambulance workforce is a key priority four our government.
“This $10 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of paramedics to the regions.”
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said this will help attract and keep paramedics.
“Providing modern, sustainable and secure staff accommodation in regional, rural and remote locations will help to attract and retain paramedics,” she said.
“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.”
HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said paramedics need to be supported in regional areas.
“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,” he said.
“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 these essential workers.”
