The Allan Labor Government is ensuring more healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will have the chance to work and stay in Shepparton, with new housing underway at Shepparton Hospital, backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today visited the Goulburn Valley (GV) Health site to view progress on 15 self-contained apartments being built at Shepparton Hospital, supported through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
The modern, three-storey apartments will feature 18 bedrooms set within and will help address the gap in housing for frontline healthcare workers across the region.
Builder Hansen Yuncken, which is celebrating 100 years in Shepparton, will build the new energy efficient apartments which will feature solar power and heat pump hot water systems, LED lighting, double glazed windows, recycled glass and sustainably sourced timber materials, as well as on-site bike parking and storage.
The units will support work life balance for healthcare workers with direct, safe access to the hospital for staff on-call after hours.
The project is in addition to the 18 self-contained units being developed at the same site through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund and will add to GV Health's on-site housing to help grow and retain its vital workforce.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund supports shovel-ready projects, with co-investment from private businesses, councils, or community groups to deliver essential housing that workers and industries need to thrive.
More than 20 projects are currently underwayincluding 12 healthcare accommodation projects which will help bring more healthcare workers to Victoria's regions.
Fresh produce supplier the Kalafatis Group in Shepparton and Australia's biggest Kiwifruit producer Seeka Australia in Bunbartha are also being supported to construct, more housing for their growing seasonal workforces.
The Regional Worker Accomodation Fund is part of a $45 billion investment in projects that are making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
"When health professionals live and work locally, they connect with the community, support local businesses, and gain real insight into local needs- but it all needs to start with access to modern accommodation."
"That's exactly what we're supporting here and right across the state through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, with a dozen healthcare accommodation projects underway to bring more healthcare workers to the regions."
As stated by Goulburn Valley Health Chief Executive Matt Sharp
"Growing our on-site accommodation options is essential to building a strong, sustainable workforce at GV Health. It's about creating the right conditions to welcome skilled professionals to our region and support them to stay."
