A new report shows essential workers still struggle to find accommodation, but new housing projects offer some hope in Western Plains.

Anglicare Sydney’s latest Rental Affordability Snapshot – Essential Workers has revealed the depth of NSW’s housing crisis, showing that only three per cent of rental properties across the state are affordable for essential workers.

In the Central West, the picture is only slightly better: 14.4 per cent of listings are affordable for teachers, 6.6 per cent for aged-care workers, 6.3 per cent for nurses, 4.9 per cent for social and community services staff, and just 3.4 per cent for early-childhood educators.

Despite those numbers, the Central West remains one of the regions with the highest number of affordable rentals in NSW, underlining just how widespread the shortage has become.

Simon Miller, Chief Executive of Anglicare Sydney, said the findings highlight how frontline workers are being priced out of the communities they serve.

Essential frontline workers not catered for

“Nurses, aged-care workers, teachers, hospitality and social-services staff are the backbone of our communities, yet they are unable to afford to live in the communities in which they work,” he said.

“What that means is that essential workers are often locked into long commutes, which increases transport expenses, and costs personal and family time.”

Mr Miller said Anglicare is calling for practical solutions through policy and development “to address this issue both in the immediate and long term.”

Rob Stokes, Anglicare Sydney’s Group Executive – Housing, said the data was “confronting” and demanded urgent action.

“We need a reliable pipeline of well-located affordable homes, backed by planning and renter-protection settings that actually deliver keys-in-doors,” Mr Stokes said.

He said governments could make better use of “meanwhile spaces” - turning vacant or underused buildings into temporary or short-term accommodation for essential workers, and called for fast-tracked approvals and tax incentives to stimulate development.

Progress in the Western Plains

While the overall picture remains grim, some parts of the Western Plains are seeing practical results from targeted investment in housing for key workers.

In Dubbo, a major milestone was reached in late October with the appointment of HPAC Pty Ltd as the main works contractor for a $30-unit modular housing project on the Dubbo Hospital campus.

The project will provide modern accommodation for health workers and is designed to help attract and retain staff in the region.

Labor spokesperson for Dubbo, Stephen Lawrence MLC, said offering dedicated accommodation provides potential health staff more certainty and flexibility.

“In order to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce, we need to invest in housing,” Mr Lawrence said.

Simon Miller, Chief Executive of Anglicare Sydney said a recent report from the organisation shows how essential workers struggle to find housing in regional NSW.

“Investing in suitable, local housing is not only a practical step for essential workers but builds continuity of care, trust and the general wellbeing of our communities.”

In Coonamble, three new four-bedroom police homes were completed in August as part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Housing Program, a $146.3 million initiative delivering 271 homes for police and teachers across the state.

The $2.6 million Coonamble project provides spacious homes complete with solar panels, two-car garages and secure yards - features designed to encourage long-term residence.

“You can’t keep a community safe without police, and you can’t keep police without housing,” NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said.

“These new homes in Coonamble are a game changer for recruiting and keeping the officers we need in the Central West.”

All three homes are now occupied by police officers and their families.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the investment was already making a difference.

“Without investment in key worker housing like this, many regional and rural towns struggle to attract skilled and essential workers," he said.

“These three four-bedroom homes hold significant value for places like Coonamble; they make communities safer, increase the local population, and boost the economy.”

Anglicare Sydney said governments and communities need to continue to collaborate to create affordable, secure housing options.

“Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is a fundamental need,” Mr Miller said.

“Without it, services suffer, workforce shortages intensify, and community wellbeing is undermined. We need action to address rental affordability now.”