Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is calling for urgent action to address persistent healthcare challenges facing rural, regional and remote communities across New South Wales.
Through its Caring for Our Regions campaign, LGNSW has released a six-point action plan aimed at improving access to healthcare services and delivering better health outcomes for people living outside metropolitan areas.
Communities in rural and regional New South Wales continue to experience poorer health outcomes and reduced access to healthcare services, with workforce shortages, limited access to general practitioners, long travel times and service gaps placing significant pressure on residents.
Councils are increasingly being called upon to help address these challenges, despite healthcare remaining primarily the responsibility of the New South Wales and Federal Governments.
The Caring for Our Regions action plan builds on findings from multiple parliamentary inquiries and existing advocacy undertaken by councils across the state.
The plan calls for:
- Strengthening the regional health workforce through sustained and targeted investment.
- Establishing a GP guarantee to ensure reliable access to primary healthcare services in rural and regional communities.
- Reimbursing councils that step in to maintain local healthcare services where gaps exist.
- Recognising patient transport as essential health infrastructure and providing dedicated funding support.
- Restoring access to safe, local maternity services in rural and regional communities.
- Investing in community-based aged care and ageing-in-place services to reduce pressure on hospitals and support older residents to remain in their communities.
LGNSW has developed a suite of advocacy resources to support councils participating in the campaign, including a template notice of motion, template letters to the New South Wales and Federal Governments, and a template media release.
The organisation is encouraging councils to support the action plan and advocate for improved healthcare access across rural and regional New South Wales.
To view the full action plan or to download advocacy resources, visit lgnsw.org.au
