Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced that accommodation for vital health workers is on the way to the electorate, with Narrandera and West Wyalong to benefit from new modular housing under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.
Ms Cooke said four hospital sites have been chosen across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to share in 15 units, with Narrandera and West Wyalong to each receive three units. Nearby Leeton has also been earmarked for three units, while Finley will receive six.
“The housing crisis that faces our nation isn’t confined to Sydney and other metropolitan areas; people across the entire country are facing the same problems around a shortage in housing, and our electorate is certainly no different,” Ms Cooke said.
“That’s why ensuring we have fit-for-purpose, modern, short and long-term accommodation for our essential workers like our health workers, our nurses and other clinicians, is absolutely critical.
“Attracting and retaining health workers in regional areas is a constant challenge, but having modern accommodation available that is close to work on hospital grounds, for those who relocate to our areas to fill vital workforce gaps in our healthcare system, is just so important,” she said.
In response to Questions on Notice from Ms Cooke, the Health Minister has advised that the units are expected to be completed and made available progressively from late this year, to mid-2025.
“The self-contained, furnished units will be constructed off-site, before being transported and installed at the various hospital grounds,” Ms Cooke said.
“The interior and layout of all the units are identical, however the exteriors will be customised so that the colours and landscaping will be in keeping with the local surroundings.
“Having seen the designs, one of the things that really impressed me was the size of the units; they’re quite spacious inside which will allow future residents to really settle in and enjoy the comforts of home as they establish themselves in our communities,” she said.
