MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has welcomed news $6 million will be invested in Armidale to attract and retain healthcare workers for the region.

The new dwellings are part of the NSW Government’s Key Health Worker Accommodation Program aimed at strengthening regional and rural health workforces across the state.

Mr Moylan has been calling for more investment in healthcare services across the Northern Tablelands and said the news is a step in the right direction.

“Further details on the location and timeframes will be released by Health Minister Ryan Park in due course but I am pleased to see movement on the healthcare crisis in the region,” he said.

“Healthcare is a major issue across the entire electorate. Providing quality accommodation plays a key role in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers in regional NSW.

“This is a great addition to the Armidale community and will be a benefit for the entire region,” Mr Moylan said.

The Key Health Worker Accommodation Program is a $200.1 million program which supports more than 20 projects and around 120 dwellings across regional NSW.

It includes purchasing new properties, building new accommodation, and upgrading current lodgings.

The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said the government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers.

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority and this $6 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to Armidale,” Mr Park said.

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will support Hunter New England Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”

Media Release