The Allan Labor Government is delivering new worker accommodation in Wonthaggi, making it easier for healthcare workers to live and work where they're needed most.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes, joining representatives from Bass Coast Health to announce the start of construction on new accommodation at Wonthaggi Hospital.
The new two-storey development, which will comprise 20 self-contained rooms for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, medical specialists and allied healthcare staff, is supported through the Labor Government's Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
The new, modern accommodation will feature communal and outdoor living areas and will be built on hospital grounds, next to Kirrak House residential aged care facility, providing staff with easier access to the workplace and reducing travel time for key workers.
The project is the first health worker initiative to be approved through the Government's Development Facilitation Program and will play a critical role supporting Bass Coast Health attract and retain more skilled healthcare workers.
Bass Coast Health provides a range of hospital and community-based care services across multiple sites, including Wonthaggi Hospital, the Phillip Island Community Hospital at Cowes, and also at San Remo.
The new housing will accommodate up to 20 healthcare workers, freeing up rental properties and hotel rooms currently relied on by Bass Coast Health to house an extensive range of visiting healthcare professionals.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is part of the Allan Labor Government's record investment of more than $47 billion in just over a decade to help make rural and regional Victorian towns even better places to live, work and invest. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
"Through our Regional Worker Accommodation fund we're supporting Victoria's regions to have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper."
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"Fast-tracking worker accommodation for health professionals in Wonthaggi means more doctors, nurses, and allied health workers can live close to where they're needed most."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"Making sure health workers have a place to stay near the hospital just makes sense - it's good for them, good for patients, and good for Wonthaggi."
As stated by Bass Coast Health Interim CEO Professor Simone Alexander
"This project will benefit the community by helping Bass Coast Health to attract the healthcare workers who provide a wide range of specialist medical services locally, enabling our community to have greater access to quality care closer to their homes."
"We are so fortunate this project will benefit from the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which has helped make this facility a reality."
