Edward River Council has reinforced its commitment to improving health outcomes for local residents, formally adopting the 'Caring for our Regions' Six Point Action Plan on Rural and Regional Health as a key advocacy priority.
The plan, developed by Local Government NSW (LGNSW), outlines coordinated action needed from State and Commonwealth governments to address critical gaps in healthcare access and outcomes across rural, regional and remote communities.
Mayor Ashley Hall said the decision builds on Council's ongoing advocacy work to secure better health services for Deniliquin and the broader Edward River Local Government Area (LGA).
"Access to healthcare should not depend on your postcode, yet that's the reality facing many in our community," the Mayor said.
"From the push for a new hospital in Deniliquin to ongoing GP shortages, our residents are dealing with very real and immediate challenges."
A continued focus on local health outcomes
Council's endorsement of the plan strengthens its existing advocacy framework, including its Advocacy Plan and Health Position Statement, and aligns with its commitment to building caring, healthy and inclusive communities.
Across the Edward River LGA, residents continue to experience:
- Difficulty accessing GPs and primary care
- Ongoing shortages in healthcare and allied health professionals
- The need to travel long distances for treatment
- Limited options for ageing in place
"These are not abstract issues - they affect families trying to get a GP appointment, older residents wanting to stay in their homes, and young families needing access to safe, local care," Mayor Hall said.
- Strengthening the regional health workforce
- Introducing a GP guarantee for rural communities
- Reimbursing councils forced to fill healthcare gaps
- Funding patient transport as essential infrastructure
- Restoring safe, local maternity services
- Investing in aged care and ageing-in-place support
Mayor Hall said these priorities are especially relevant locally:
"Strengthening the health workforce is critical for communities like ours. A GP guarantee would be a game changer for Deniliquin - giving residents confidence they can access basic care when they need it."
Council's Chief Executive Officer, Jack Bond, said the plan reflects what is happening on the ground in Edward River.
"We're seeing the impacts of workforce shortages and limited services every day," Mr Bond said.
"For many residents, accessing care isn't simple or local."
Mr Bond said councils are increasingly stepping in to support their communities, increasing financial pressures on council:
"When councils are required to step in to fill service gaps, it places pressure on our ability to deliver core infrastructure and community services," Mr Bond said.
"This plan helps make the case for more coordinated, long-term investment at state and national level."
Advocating for real investment
As part of the resolution, Council will write to key State and Commonwealth ministers, along with local Members of Parliament, seeking their support and calling for coordinated action to improve rural and regional health outcomes.
Mayor Hall said improving access to healthcare is essential to the region's future.
"Better healthcare means stronger communities. It supports population growth, helps people stay local, and ensures communities like Deniliquin remain great places to live, work and raise a family."
