Vic government announces Regional Worker Accommodation Fund for housing project grants
Victoria premier Jacinta Allan and minister for regional development Gayle Tierney visited the Ararat East Development Zone recently to announce the opening of the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund for workers in key industries where staff are in demand.
Building and construction companies are amongst the wide range of eligible groups that can now apply for grants between $150,000 and $5 million to develop projects that support local businesses to retain and attract workers by delivering affordable housing and accommodation.
The fund will support the delivery of housing, accommodation and related infrastructure, across all Victorian rural and regional Local Government Areas. It will be funded over three years, starting in 2023–24.
Applicants will be asked to describe a proposed project that delivers a net increase of housing and accommodation for key workers, and provide evidence that it is needed in that location.
“The investment will mean Victorians can live close to where they work, towns and communities can build the local projects that matter to them, and that our fantastic regional towns are attracting the visitors they need to keep their local economies booming,” Allan says.
Tierney adds: “We know one of the biggest barriers for regional businesses and employers to find the workers they need is affordable housing and accommodation that is close by – so we are creating solutions to boost that supply.”
An expression of interest process for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will run until 25 February. To find out more visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf.