Govt considers buying motels to combat lack of housing for health workers

Housing is the single largest cost of living issue people are facing not only in the Northern Rivers but across many parts of the country.

Housing impacts the workers needed in our region including at hospitals and medical centres.

Because of this, the State Government has announced more than $200million in the budget for health worker accommodation.

The funding is intended to support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families in regional NSW including Lismore.

The Government will secure about 120 dwellings, a proportion of which will be situated in Lismore, which may include the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the possible purchase of motels.

The accommodation will be delivered over the next four years.

State MP Janelle Saffin said the plan to provide some housing for our health workers in Lismore and other areas is “fantastic and very welcome”.

NSW Health will work with the Northern NSW Local Health District, NSW Ambulance, Homes NSW, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to understand key health worker accommodation requirements.

As many residents in Richmond Valley and Kyogle attend Lismore Base Hospital, this news benefits not only the health workers but the entire region.

Information for this report was provided by the NSW Government.