The Allan Labor Government is backing more regional businesses to attract the workers they need, with another round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund opening on Monday, November 18th.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today welcomed the opening of applications for this program’s second round, after three East Gippsland projects were included among the first round of the program.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund supports shovel-ready projects, with co-investment from private businesses, industries, regional councils, or local community groups, to deliver the worker housing that local industries and workforces need to support communities in regional Victoria to thrive for years to come.
Regional Victorian cities and towns that have robust, shovel-ready ideas in partnership with local business and industry are strongly encouraged to apply for the second round.
The opening of applications for round two comes on the back of last month’s announcement of funding for more than 20 successful projects that unlock nearly $250 million in combined private and public investment through the program’s first round, boosting affordable housing options for workers and their families.
The first round of the fund allocated funding to Bairnsdale Regional Health Service for 32 new bedrooms for essential workers in healthcare, to be built on land owned by BRHS.
Support was also given to Omeo District Health for five additional bedrooms within walking distance of the healthcare facility, a 50 per cent increase on its previous accommodation capacity.
Mt Hotham Airport was also provided with funding to deliver accommodation for 172 staff within 20km of the airport.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2014. The fund is one of the ways regional and rural Victorian cities and towns are becoming even better places to live, work, stay, and play.
Applications will open from Monday, 18 November to Friday, 31 January. For more information about the fund, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf.
Quotes 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 – supporting Victoria’s regions to have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper.”
“The second round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is one of the ways we’re creating more housing where it’s needed most.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“With three local projects included in round one of the scheme, the RWAF is already delivering bedrooms for more than 200 key workers in East Gippsland.”
“Round two of this fund will continue to drive economic opportunities in regional Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Omeo District Health Director of Corporate Services Michael Rowell
"The proposed project involves the development of housing and accommodation infrastructure tailored to the needs of Omeo District Health workers and their families."
"It will deliver comfortable, energy efficient and affordable accommodation, meeting the specific needs of critical workers in Omeo and surrounding areas. The project will support healthcare professionals across several services, ensuring that ODH can continue to provide comprehensive and uninterrupted care to the community."
"By addressing housing needs, a primary industry essential for the well-being and stability of the rural population in Omeo and surrounding areas, it will enhance the capacity of ODH to attract and retain qualified staff, thereby ensuring the sustainability and quality of healthcare services in the region."
