The Allan Labor Government is supporting regional businesses to attract and retain staff with new homes for thousands of regional Victorian workers and their families.

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney recently announced the first round of the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – more than 20 projects which will boost affordable housing for workers and their families across Victoria.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle was proud to announce that the Pyrenees Shire Council is one of 20 successful recipients, for a project in Beaufort. The Council has acquired land on Burke Street to build 10 dwellings containing a total of 24 bedrooms for various key workers across local industries such as agriculture, healthcare, construction and manufacturing.

By facilitating these industries in attracting and retaining workers in the region, this project will contribute to business growth and sustainability. This not only benefits individual employers but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of the region.

All successful projects across the state are shovel-ready and include co-investment from private businesses, industries or local community groups – unlocking nearly $250 million in combined private and public investment in new regional housing.

Each local housing project will be unique to the area – from self-contained units, worker villages, family dwellings, shared accommodation, and studios – and will be built to meet the skills needs of key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2014 – making our regional and rural towns even better places live, work and visit.

The more than 20 projects supported through the first round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will be announced over the coming days. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

"I fought hard for this project on behalf of the Beaufort community, as I know how much we need more affordable housing options for local workers and their families." 

"I'm so proud the State Labor Government is delivering more homes for our community. It will make sure local employers can attract and retain workers, and boost our local economy for years to come." 

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“We’re working closely with private sector businesses, industry and community groups to build the homes and accommodation our towns need – making sure regional areas have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper.”