“This will be a good start” Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP

Local communities in Griffith, Deniliquin, and Lake Cargelligo are set to receive a significant boost to their healthcare services, following a $23 million announcement from the Minns Labor Government. The funding, part of a broader $200.1 million state-wide initiative, aims to address the critical need for key worker accommodation, making it easier to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the Murrumbidgee region.

Local representatives have also welcomed the announcement. Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, highlighted the positive impact on Griffith and Deniliquin, noting the success of similar initiatives in nearby towns like Narrandera, Finley, and West Wyalong. 

“With the new Griffith Base Hospital opening soon,” Ms Dalton added, “it’s a wonderful time to be promoting our community as an attractive destination for healthcare workers looking to take the next step in their career, or enjoy a tree change to our beautiful region.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, emphasised the particular challenges faced by Lake Cargelligo. 

“Accommodation in town is tight at the best of times,” Mr Butler explained, “so providing more places to live for health workers is essential for the community. More accommodation means less pressure on local rental and housing markets. Rural and remote communities desperately need more accommodation for our key workers, and this will be a good start.”

The NSW Government said that securing suitable housing is a major hurdle for healthcare workers considering a move to the bush. This new funding aims to tackle this issue head-on, paving the way for improved healthcare access for residents across the region.

The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will fund the construction of new dwellings, the refurbishment of existing housing, and the purchase of suitable properties like residential units. Across NSW, the program aims to secure approximately 120 dwellings, supporting the recruitment and retention of over 500 health workers and their families over the next four years.

“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,” said Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park. 

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority, and this $23 million investment will support the attraction of key healthcare workers to the Murrumbidgee.”

This investment follows a previous $73.2 million commitment from the NSW Government for key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts, demonstrating a continued focus on strengthening the rural health workforce.