Victoria Unveils 23 Projects for Worker Housing Fund

The Victorian Government has announced a major investment in regional housing through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund (RWAF), backing more than 20 shovel-ready projects across the state.

The initiative, which combines public and private investment totalling nearly $250 million, aims to address housing shortages for essential workers in key sectors including health, agriculture, education, manufacturing and tourism.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan revealed the first round of successful projects during a visit to Goulburn Valley Health at Shepparton, where 15 self-contained apartments will be built onsite for medical staff.

“We have a targeted approach when it comes to partnering with regional businesses and industries and big employers through our $150-million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.

“You can’t work in a regional community if you can’t find a place to live. By helping essential workers find affordable accommodation, we’re also making it easier for employers to attract and keep their staff,” Allan said.

The program encompasses a range of housing solutions tailored to local needs, including self-contained units, worker villages, family homes and shared accommodation.

Allan said the initiative should support workforce growth and stability across various sectors, and “help to ease the pressure of the local rental market as well”.

The new Goulburn Valley Health accommodation will replace the 50-year-old doctor accommodation, which is no longer fit for purpose. By replacing this accommodation, Goulburn Valley Health would be able to return an estimated 10-15 rental properties to the local market.

Also in the Goulburn Valley region, fresh-food producer Seeka Australia is building a 60-person village to support its kiwifruit production plant in Mundoona, and the Kalafatis Group is building 12 townhouses for workers in the pear and apple industries in Shepparton.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and be completed by mid-2026. This project is part of a larger development that will ultimately deliver 33 new apartments to the area.

▲ The fund aims to deliver 1000 rooms to accommodate regional and seasonal workers.

In what is being called a “significant development for the tourism sector”, the Grollo Group will develop worker accommodation at Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek, providing modern facilities for more than 1300 workers across Victoria’s major ski resorts.

“This project aims to support year-round tourism in the region, not just during the ski season,” Allan said.

The Victorian Government has committed $250 million to fund 20 development projects across regional and rural Victoria.

It says these projects will deliver at least 1000 new bedrooms and support various industries, including health, agriculture and tourism. Some of the developments will specifically cater for seasonal workers.

The fund is part of the Government’s $45-billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2014. All supported projects feature co-investment from private businesses, industries or local community groups.

RWAF applicants were eligible for a minimum grant of $150,000 and up to a maximum of $5 million a project.

List of approved projects

Additional projects from the first funding round will be announced in the coming days.

Regional Victoria has been experiencing healthy growth since the pandemic. Speaking with The Urban Developer last month, Ethos Urban Melbourne director of economics Chris McNeill identified several regions with strong development potential.