The Minns Labor Government has announced a significant $10 million investment aimed at improving accommodation for health workers, particularly paramedics, in regional New South Wales. This initiative is part of the broader $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which seeks to attract and retain over 500 health workers across rural and remote areas of NSW.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, emphasised the importance of supporting the regional health workforce, stating,
“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.”
PHOTO: Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park.
The program, which encompasses more than 20 projects, will secure around 120 new and refurbished dwellings, enhancing the living conditions for health workers. Investment in key worker accomodation is crucial for regions like the Snowy Mountains, where the demand for housing is intensified due to the rise in short-term rental accommodations.
Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, highlighted the critical nature of worker accomodation in the region, stating, “The population of Snowy towns like Jindabyne explodes over winter, and these booming periods are increasing each year. That’s why we need stable accommodation for our key workers.”
“We know that the inability to get housing is a key reason why public sector workers sometimes knock back a job in Jindabyne, and we know that if people are part of a great community, they are much more likely to stay.”
PHOTO: Member for Monaro Steve Whan, at the key worker accomodation next to Cooma hospital.
The addition of key worker housing in locations such as Cooma is expected to alleviate housing pressures, but it’s unclear at this stage whether or not any of the 120 dwellings will be based here in the Snowy Mountains.
Mr Whan added, “The key worker accommodation in Cooma is just about to open, and that will not only free up housing for other people, but ensure our health workers have somewhere guaranteed, which will attract more to our area.”
“I continue to work on other accommodation to build on the new Cooma key worker accommodation.”
“Overcoming shortages is a key part of better health care. When you’re a part of a community, and form these strong bonds with it, you want to stick around. That’s the sort of stuff that will bolster healthcare in our regions.”
Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary, also welcomed the initiative, noting, “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.”
The investment reflects a significant step towards addressing the intricate linkage between housing availability and the health sector’s viability in NSW’s rural communities like the Snowy Monaro.