Community
18 October, 2024
Housing boost for key workers
HOUSING opportunities for key workers across Warrnambool was given a boost last week with the announcement of 15 new cabin-style facilities at Shipwreck Bay Caravan Park.
Warrnambool City Council was one of 20 successful applicants to receive funding in the state government’s first round of the $150 million regional worker accommodation fund to boost affordable housing for workers and families across Victoria.
Warrnambool has been allocated $5.29 million to construct the facilities at Shipwreck Bay.
According to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora, the proposed accommodation location was strategically chosen due to its readiness and ability to increase the number of dwellings with required services in place.
It was also chosen due to its proximity to public transport, parkland, recreational activities, CBD cultural activity and retail services.
It is anticipated the project will help meet demand for workforce accommodation from a variety of industry sectors across the Great South Coast region.
The project aims to attract workers to settle in the region and targets workers in key sectors such as healthcare, social assistance, education, agriculture and abattoirs.
All successful projects across the state are shovel-ready and include co-investment from private businesses, industries or local community groups.
Each local housing project will be unique to the area, from self-contained units and worker villages through to family dwellings, shared accommodation and studios.
Each will be built to meet the skills needs of key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, manufacturing and tourism.
“These projects will provide workers and their families with affordable housing right near where they work in Warrnambool,” Ms Ermacora said.
“This will help to attract and retain workers and keep our local economy thriving.”
