State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes joined representatives from Benalla Health to officially launch the project, on Friday, July 7.
The project, which will support local jobs during construction, is funded by the Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
Benalla Health interim chief executive officer, Donovan Jacka welcomed the start of construction.
“Benalla Health is so excited to work with the Victorian Government by investing $7.5M in building 18 new town houses for healthcare workers,” he said.
“This Key Worker Accommodation project will enable Benalla Health to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals to the region so that we can continue to provide amazing care to the community.”
Once complete, the project will offer 18 units that can be configured into one or two-bedroom layouts to provide accommodation for up to 34 healthcare workers and their families.
Benalla Health provides services to more than 14,000 people in Benalla and its surrounds, offering emergency care, surgical procedures, home care, in and outpatient services, and allied health programs.
These 18 self-contained dwellings are set to boost the local provision of health services, and support job opportunities in healthcare in this vibrant part of the state.
The project is being delivered by Wodonga-based builder Southern Vale Homes and is expected to engage more than 100 tradespeople and suppliers across the construction period.
The new accommodation is among almost 50 accommodation projects across Victoria currently supported through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, including a number that support local health services.
Ms Symes said that regional Victorians deserve access to the facilities and infrastructure they need to live, work and study in their communities, which is why the government has invested more than $50 billion across regional Victoria over the past decade.
“This investment is a game changer for Benalla, helping our local health service attract and keep the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers our community relies on,” she said
“Only Labor is making sure regional communities like Benalla have the infrastructure to attract healthcare workers and keep vital health services strong.”
Minister for Regional Development, Michaela Settle said regional healthcare starts with ensuring the people who care for our communities have somewhere affordable and modern to live.
“This project will strengthen Benalla Health’s workforce and help ensure local families can continue accessing the healthcare they need, close to home,” she said.
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