NSW Regional Health Plan consultation open

IN SHORT:

• NSW Health is seeking community feedback on the Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022-2032.

• The plan sets out priorities for health services across regional NSW.

• Member for Barwon Roy Butler says community consultation is essential to improving government programs.

Consultation open on strategic plan that will shape health services across Barwon electorate

Residents across the back country are being urged to have their say on the NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan, which sets out the priorities for health services in regional areas over the coming years.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said community consultation was critical to improving any government program or policy, and encouraged everyone with a stake in the regional health system to participate.

"I have often said that any government existing or new program, scheme, policy, service or procedure can be improved with community consultation," Mr Butler said in his weekly newsletter.

"Which is why I introduced a bill that set guidelines for best practice consultation back in 2024."

The NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022-2032 outlines the plans, pathways and priorities for providing health services across regional NSW, covering areas including Hay, Balranald, Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe and surrounding communities.

However, Mr Butler emphasised that consultation is a two-way process that requires community engagement to be effective.

"The other side of the consultation is that communities need to engage with government agencies offering the consultation," he said.

"This document sets out the plans, pathways and priorities for providing health services in regional NSW. It can only be improved with input from regional communities."

Access to health services remains a critical issue across rural NSW, with communities facing challenges including workforce shortages, distance to facilities, and service sustainability.

The consultation provides an opportunity for residents to raise concerns specific to their local areas and suggest improvements to service delivery.

The plan can be viewed ONLINE , and submissions can be made at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/regional-health-strategic-plan.