Local medical practices have confirmed the ongoing need for accommodation support as part of a revised Gunnedah Shire Council policy.

The details were tabled at the February ordinary meeting, with the new Medical Professionals Accommodation Support policy now open to public submissions.

Northwest Health and Barber Street Medical Practice lease council-owned medical accommodation units.

At the December 2025 meeting, council considered a revised policy, however, agreed to seek a further report verifying the ongoing need for the facilities.

In a submission to council, Northwest Health confirmed that its accommodation was occupied on a full-time basis and is utilised year-round.

“It is used specifically to accommodate incoming medical practitioners who are providing services in Gunnedah,” its submission read.

“We currently rely on this accommodation to support incoming doctors, particularly those relocating to the region on fixed-term placements.

“At this stage, an offer has been made to one doctor only. However, should we be successful in recruiting two doctors concurrently in the future, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss additional accommodation or rental options with council.”

The practice acknowledged that the availability of council-provided accommodation is a significant factor in its ability to attract and recruit medical practitioners to Gunnedah.

If the provision of accommodation was withdrawn, it would significantly hinder the practice’s ability to attract and retain medical practitioners in Gunnedah.

“It would also increase the risk of losing incoming doctors and make future recruitment considerably more difficult,” Northwest Health said in its information.

Similarly, Barber Street Medical Practice also highlighted the accommodation as an important incentive.

“Barber Street Practice has had use of the Davis Avenue units for over 20 years and we have found that having that accommodation available has been a deciding factor in whether a GP Registrar or other medical professionals choose Gunnedah to continue their education and/or medical career,” the practice said in its submission.

If the practice lost access to the accommodation, it would severely impact the ability to recruit and attract medical practitioners to the area.

“The units are an important steppingstone that enable medical professionals to get a taste of life in Gunnedah before making the big decision to move permanently to the area,” the submission read.

When the matter was discussed at the council meeting, Cr Ann Luke moved the recommendation to note the submissions provided by the medical practices and to endorse the revised policy for public consultation. Cr Luke added another point to the motion, that the accommodation support be reviewed annually. This was seconded by Cr Kate McGrath.

Cr Juliana McArthur sought clarification about the length of the leases.

Council’s director of infrastructure services Jeremy Bartlett advised that the agreements were at an end and were currently in a holdover period.

Cr McGrath welcomed Cr Luke’s addition of a 12-monthly review.

“Essentially, it enables that to be reviewed in a timely manner,” Cr McGrath said.

Cr Rob Hoddle also spoke in support of the motion.

“From the feedback we got from the medical profession, they are very useful,” Cr Hoddle said.

“We don’t want to fall back where we have a shortage of doctors. That’s exactly what’s happening in Moree and Narrabri right now.

“We’re in a much stronger position than we were a few years ago. So let’s hang to it, and let’s review it annually.”

Cr Newell highlighted that the doctor situation had changed since the policy was first adopted when the town was home to two medical practices.

“We now have four, and quite a few doctors. I think that situation has changed,” Cr Newell said.

To order photos from this page click here