South-west Victoria get boost to housing for workers

24/01/2024

Regional workers in Victoria are accessing more affordable housing and accommodation.

Supporting key industries in the region, we’re investing $465,000 for affordable rental accommodation for workers in construction, agriculture, and aged and health care.

As part of the investment, the Koroit Caravan Park now has 5 new cabins, constructed under the Koroit Worker Housing project.

Since opening in 2022, the cabins 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.

Other initiatives across the state are helping workers live closer to where they work.

In south-west Victoria, we’re backing Corangamite Shire Council to build an environmentally sustainable housing estate on council-owned land in Timboon. We’re also providing support for another development in Simpson to create up to 140 new homes for the region.

On top of that, we recently opened the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund. Expressions of interest are now open for grants of between $150,000 and $5 million for shovel ready projects.

The fund has already generated a lot of interest, highlighting the need for projects that boost housing supply and support local workers.

Expressions of interest for the fund are open until 25 February 2024. To find out more visit Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.