Housing 'incentive' for SW GPs

A $1.9 million housing project aimed at retaining medical professionals in Manjimup was officially opened last week.

The project received $1.2 million from Royalties for Regions' Country Local Government Fund and the remaining $708,000 from the Manjimup Shire Council.

About 30 people turned out to the official opening on Thursday, including those involved in the construction of the three homes, Manjimup shire councillors, Regional Development Minister Terry Redman and Dr Paul Griffiths, who will be living in one of the homes.

Dr Griffiths said he was excited about the homes being opened and ready for him to move in.

"These are a fantastic addition," he said.

"I think Sam Karamfiles has done an amazing job and it's going to achieve the thing they set out to do, which is keep me around longer."

Dr Griffiths praised the project as an important investment in Manjimup's future.

Manjimup shire president Wade DeCampo thanked Mr Redman for officially opening the homes and added the homes were a way of addressing a housing gap in the town.

"We wanted to provide an incentive for GPs to stay in the region long-term, with the aim of reducing the waiting period to see a GP," he said.

Each of the three town houses are made up of two parts, one is for a longer-term tenant, joined to a self-contained unit suitable for short-term habitation.