The Lismore App has been reporting on the fight of local doctors, specialists, chemists and other health care providers to receive special funding which, they say, should have come as a part of essential service funding in previous flood support package announcements.

The battle of words and lobbying by local members goes back to early January this year when the call went out for an additional $15 million in funding. Today, local health care providers have been given that additional support but to the tune of $5 million to rebuild infrastructure, replace equipment or move to new premises as the recovery from floods continues.

Recognising the unique challenges that primary health providers in the Lismore community face, the Australian Government and the NSW Government will each contribute $2.5 million in targeted support for eligible providers.

The funding will be distributed in grants for general practices, allied health (including mental health), dental practices, pharmacies, private specialists, pathology providers, drug and alcohol treatment services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Lismore.

Grants of up to $150,000 will be available, with provisions to consider applications from providers with exceptional circumstances above that threshold.

Ensuring that Lismore locals can continue to access quality primary health care is critical to support the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

Out of 67 local primary care providers surveyed following the disaster, 58 practices, or close to 9 out of 10, reported some flood damage.

The Lismore community has shown great resilience in the face of disaster over the past few years, including the flooding during 2022, bushfires in 2019-20 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the grants will be provided to the North Coast Primary Health Network (PHN), Healthy North Coast.

Further information on how to apply for a grant can be found on the Healthy North Coast website.

Eligible providers are encouraged to contact Healthy North Coast today.

Federal MP and Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said, “Supporting primary care providers to recover benefits the entire Lismore community, ensuring locals can continue to see their own GP, dentist, mental health professional or pharmacist.”

“This new funding from the Albanese Government brings our support for primary and mental health care after the Northern Rivers floods to more than $12.5 million.”

NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, said “I visited Lismore soon after the floods and know it has been really awful for the community. This funding will go some way to ensuring that people have access to important health, mental health, allied health and other services.

“The NSW Government’s $2.5 million will help local health providers deal with the ongoing effects of the flood. It comes on top of $6.1 billion in State and Commonwealth funding to support flood-impacted communities over the past 12 months.”

While Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride added, "The Albanese Government is determined to work with all levels of government to make sure the Lismore community continues on the path to recovery.”

“With headspace and Head to Health services already in the Northern Rivers region, this additional funding will provide a further boost for primary care and mental health services.” 

There will be a press conference later this afternoon in Lismore for further details.