Healthcare workers in five more communities across the Western NSW Local Health District are set to benefit from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $73.2 million investment in key worker accommodation.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has announced Mudgee will be one of the five locations to benefit from the Government’s plan to support health workers who choose to come and work in rural and regional NSW.
“Having high quality accommodation close to a health service removes the challenge for workers to find a decent rental at short notice,” Mr Saunders said.
“We are looking at up to 6 new units which will be equipped with all the necessities, including kitchenettes, comfortable living areas, and ensuite bathrooms.
“They will provide a homely and safe space for healthcare workers, which is a key component of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s plan to build and strengthen our workforce in the regions.
“From implementing the largest ever shake-up of the regional health workforce incentive scheme, to providing accommodation to health workers who move to a new region – the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is supporting health workers in the bush in any way we can.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said being able to provide safe, comfortable accommodation for health workers close to where they are working is a huge incentive.
“The local health service will be able to use the new accommodation for both permanent recruits who need to establish themselves in a community, and for healthcare workers coming in on a temporary basis,” Mrs Taylor said.
Key health worker accommodation is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26.
Since 2011, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.