The Allan Labor Government is supporting better healthcare services for the Colac region, with a local contractor now appointed to lead a worker housing project designed to attract more staff to work at the local health service.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today announced BDH Constructions has been appointed to build Colac Area Health's new worker accommodation project, which is being delivered through the Labor Government's Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
For more than two decades, BDH Constructions has been servicing the Great South Coast area in the residential, industrial and commercial construction sectors - the appointment of a local firm to lead construction will provide a boost to the local industry and deliver 91 construction jobs across the project supply chain.
The project features 16 one-bedroom units which can also be connected to create two-bedroom units for workers and their families. It will enable Colac Area Health to attract and retain staff who are essential to the effective provision of healthcare services to the local community.
Over 1,600 healthcare and social assistance jobs are supported in the Colac-Otway area, making the sector one of the largest employers of the local labour force.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund was established to ensure rural and regional communities like Colac have the infrastructure in place to attract and retain the essential workers they need to thrive.
Rounds one and two of the Fund have unlocked almost $250 million in public and private investment across over 40 new worker housing projects, delivering more than 1750 bedrooms for workers across Victoria.
This investment forms part of more than $47 billion provided by the Labor Government for rural and regional Victoria in just over a decade, driving economic growth and making Victoria a better place to live, work and stay.
For more information, visit http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
"Our Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is delivering more affordable housing in regional Victoria, making it easier for workers to live near their jobs while helping local businesses keep skilled staff in the industries that need them most."
As stated by Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew
"Access to secure, affordable housing has been one of the biggest barriers to attracting health professionals to regional areas - This investment means more healthcare workers can call Colac home, building their careers and their lives in the community they serve."
As stated by BDH Constructions Managing Director John Duynh
"This is an exciting project for BDH and our Colac-based contracting partners - We're keeping the majority of wages and materials spending right here in Colac, supporting local families, suppliers, and trades."
