Council builds housing for local doctors
Construction has started on seven new houses for local doctors in Port Hedland, Western Australia, as stage one of the GP Housing Project.
The project is a partnership between Port Hedland Town Council, BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Royalties for Regions.
The initiative aims to attract and retain GP’s to meet the community’s increasing need for essential services.
Council is investing $2.25 million into the development of the project and stage one.
Mayor Kelly Howlett said: “As our population continues to grow, the need for essential services such as health will also increase.
“Like other professions and industries, the health sector struggles to bring staff to Port Hedland mainly due to a lack of housing and accommodation.”
“This project will assist in retaining GP’s and help them to relocate their families to Port Hedland and make this town their home.” she said
The GP Housing Project was the result of a business case commissioned by BHP Billiton Iron Ore in 2009.
The company’s Manager, Community Port and Rail Peta Greening, said, “We identified the need for dedicated GP housing through our social impact assessments, community surveys and social baseline studies.
“We have worked closely with the Town of Port Hedland and State Government to ensure the success of this important project.”
Stage One of the GP Housing Project is expected to be completed by late-2012.
