Lake Cargelligo has been flagged by the NSW Government among the first sites for some of the 120 dwellings to be built for healthcare workers across regional and rural areas.

The funding has been tagged under the $200.1 million Key Worker Build-to-Rent Program. 

"NSW Health is working with all regional local health districts to address locations that require health worker accommodation,” Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said. 

“Early assessment has identified locations such as Lake Cargelligo, Tweed Heads, Lismore, and Eurobodalla as examples of areas of need.”

Areas will be prioritised for dwellings through a consultation process based on the need for health care staff.

Around 500 healthcare workers will benefit from the additional housing in the state, according to the NSW Government.

The accommodation will include dwellings such as new and refurbished houses and unit-type accommodation. 

The NSW government said they are working together with NSW Ambulance, Homes NSW and the NSW Department of Primary Indues and Regional Development to assess the housing needs of healthcare workers. 

“NSW Health is also procuring a range of other accommodation options to meet short-stay requirements, including refurbishment of existing properties, purchase of available properties (e.g. motels) and land, procurement of modular homes and construction of new builds,” Minister Park said.

"Investing in affordable and accessible accommodation is a key factor in attracting and retaining health workers and ultimately enhancing the delivery of care across rural and regional hospitals."

The NSW government said they are also investing $450 million to build 400 homes for key healthcare workers in metropolitan Sydney. 

Lachlan Shire Mayor Paul Phillips welcomed the potential housing.

“Council and our respective communities are grateful for any and all initiatives that help solve the health care and housing issues being experienced across our shire and indeed the state," Cr Phillips said.

"I am particularly pleased that Lake Cargelligo has been identified as an area that would benefit from this program however. I note that it is only an early assessment of possible future locations for funding. I look forward to hearing more about this program with confirmation that funds have been allocated for Lake Cargelligo.

"Council will continue to advocate at all levels for improved health outcomes for our community.”

The rollout of the accommodation for healthcare workers will begin in 2024 and continue into 2025.