More public school teachers are being encouraged to move to the bush thanks to a significant NSW Government investment to improve the supply and quality of teacher housing.
An additional $23.5 million housing investment has been provided on top of the $174 million key worker housing investment already announced as part of the 2022-23 Budget.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said providing housing is one of the most tangible ways we can attract and retain workers in the regions.
“We know housing is one of the biggest factors in attracting workers and driving further growth in the regions,” Mr Toole said.
“It is vital that teachers who work in the regions, especially in our more remote and rural schools, have access to comfortable, modern housing close to their workplace.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said $8.4 million of the additional investment will be spent on new housing in towns including Bellata, Broken Hill, Coolah, Gilgandra and Ivanhoe.
“While we have generous financial incentives for teachers to go to a country school, many teachers considering a regional move have told us that housing is just as important a factor in their decision-making, if not more so,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Ensuring teachers have quality housing options available to them will attract and retain quality teachers to some of our more remote schools.”
Construction work on new housing has already started in the State’s north this term.
Teacher housing improvements will include $12.3 million of funding for renovations to approximately 50 Teachers Housing Authority managed properties in areas including Stuart Town, Mumbil, Ellerston, Girilambone and Adaminaby.
Around 100 teacher houses will have new heating and cooling installed, worth almost $2 million, and $800,000 is being invested in increasing housing supply by taking out head leases, with the properties to be occupied by country teachers.
Investment in teacher housing is part of the Government’s delivery against the recommendations of the 2021 Regional and Remote Incentives Review.
