TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:47): The Allan Labor government is delivering worker accommodation in regional communities where it is needed most. Recently I visited the Koroit caravan park, which has seen five new cabins constructed under the Koroit worker housing project. As I understand it, there is 83 per cent occupancy, so a great result there. Made possible by a grant from the Labor government, these cabins provide affordable rental accommodation for workers in construction, agriculture and aged care. This means more workers for local businesses, more housing stock and more thriving regional communities. As a proud regional Victorian, I have heard firsthand how important it is for workers to live where they are employed. It allows them to put down roots, stay closer to their families and become fully fledged members of their community. In return they are more likely to stay longer and be happier in their jobs – the ultimate win-win.
The Koroit worker housing project is exactly the kind of initiative the Allan Labor government is replicating at scale through the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund. Expressions of interest are now open for grants between $150,000 and $5 million for shovel-ready projects. These projects will showcase what is possible when government and private businesses come together to advance the interests of Victorians and their communities. The fund complements other work that is being carried out across government to deliver more affordable and accessible housing options for regional Victorians, because the Allan Labor government is a government that delivers for our regions.