Background
Access to quality healthcare is important for our community. While hospitals and health services are delivered by State and Commonwealth governments, the City of Karratha plays a supporting role by advocating for services, strengthening partnerships and helping improve access to existing programs.
In 2024, the City conducted a review of the Medical Services Housing Subsidy (MSHS), which supported attracting and retaining medical professionals in the region. Council continued the program until 30 June 2025 while further work was undertaken to better understand broader healthcare needs. The subsidy program has now concluded.
To guide future actions, the City commissioned a Health Services Investigation to better understand:
- Community healthcare needs
- Workforce challenges
- Opportunities for the City to support improved access to services
This work identified a range of possible actions. They were refined these into a draft Health Services Investigation Implementation Plan, focusing on areas where the City can provide the most value.
During the month of April, the draft Health Services Investigation Implementation Plan was available for public comment. Two responses were provided and will now be taken into consideration before the plan goes up to Council in June.
The City also continues to support housing for critical service workers, including those in the health sector. Current initiatives include:
- Service worker accommodation delivered in partnership with industry
- Supported Accommodation Scheme Policy
- Ongoing work to increase housing supply across the region
Two submissions were received through the engagement process. The feedback generally recognised the plan as a positive starting point, while highlighting a range of considerations that may influence healthcare access and outcomes in Karratha.
Key themes raised included:
- The potential role of both public and private providers in supporting service delivery
- General support for improving awareness of available services and clearer referral pathways
- Support for Telehealth is a valuable option to enhance access, particularly in a remote context
- Workforce challenges, including attraction and retention, housing availability, and travel costs
- Opportunities to support workforce development through increased placements, flexible training pathways, and targeted incentives
- Feedback highlighted travel assistance and flexible care options as important where local services are limited.
While some of the matters raised relate to areas beyond the City’s direct responsibilities, this feedback has been captured to help inform ongoing advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
