New key health worker accommodation funding for hospital announced
Communities in Eurobodalla, Crookwell and Bega are set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation that will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.
The Minns Labor Government will invest $24 million in health worker housing in the southern NSW region as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland made the announcement during a tour today of the construction site of the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.
Since construction started in 2024 on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, progress is continuing on site as the new hospital begins to rise from its foundations. The concrete slab and structural columns forming the framework for the ground floor and Level 1 are taking shape, marking another step in bringing the future hospital to life.
Construction has also started on a new roundabout on the Princes Highway, to support future access to the new hospital.
The $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.
The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
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 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.
“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our Government and this $24 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to southern NSW.
“The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Southern NSW Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”
Minister Park confirmed that the hospital masterplan included the space for a radiotherapy unit. The tender for the provision of local radiotherapy services has yet to be completed.
Question about securing enough staff for the new facility, Minister Park said he “was confident that specialists will come forward. Part of the solution is having a top rate facility.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said “This funding is wonderful news for our health services and communities in Bega, Crookwell and Eurobodalla.
“Extra accommodation will ensure we can attract and retain the best and brightest health workers to southern NSW.”
The program is one of a number of investments the NSW Government is making to strengthen the regional health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).