Regional workers in Victoria can access more affordable housing and accommodation, with support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today visited the Koroit Caravan Park which has seen five new cabins constructed under the Koroit Worker Housing project.
Supporting key industries in the region, the $465,000 grant from the Labor Government provides affordable rental accommodation for workers in construction, agriculture and aged and health care.
Since opening in 2022, the cabins at the Koroit Caravan Park have had a 95% occupancy rate, helping to fill the gaps in local worker housing shortages and benefitting local businesses seeking to fill roles that may require employees to relocate for short periods.
Managed by the Moyne Shire Council, the facility has allowed 11 different businesses and corporations to bring in skilled workers for short-term projects.
The Government is investing in initiatives across the state to ensure that workers can live closer to where they work.
In south west Victoria, the Government is backing Corangamite Shire Council to build an environmentally-sustainable housing estate on council-owned land in Timboon, and providing support for another development in Simpson – creating up to 140 new homes for the region.
The Government recently announced the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, with expressions of interest now open for grants of between $150,000 and $5 million for shovel ready projects.
The Fund has garnered a positive response from the community since opening, demonstrating the need for projects that boost housing supply and support local workers.
The Government is also investing an additional $1 billion into the Regional Housing Fund, delivering more than 1,300 new homes, including a mix of social and affordable housing. This is on top of the Big Housing Build, which includes $1.25 billion to build new homes in communities across rural and regional Victoria.
Expressions of interest for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund are open until 25 February. To find out more visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“We know that a lack of housing and accommodation is one of the biggest barriers facing regional businesses and employers from recruiting the workers they need – that’s why we’re supporting solutions to boost supply.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“This Koroit Worker Housing project is proving to be an invaluable asset for our region, helping local businesses fill the roles that they need and offering workers a place to settle in.”