The Victorian Government has launched the second round of applications for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund to assist regional businesses in securing essential workers by expanding local housing options.
This initiative, supporting shovel-ready projects through public-private co-investment, will deliver new accommodation solutions across regional Victoria.
Collaborations between private enterprises, industries, councils and community groups are central to addressing the housing needs in key sectors.
“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,” Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said.
Projects eligible for funding will focus on key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, manufacturing and tourism.
The accommodation types on offer range from self-contained units and worker villages to family dwellings, shared living spaces and studios.
“This program will help our communities in northern Victoria secure much-needed housing for local workers, supporting regional businesses to grow and thrive,” state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.
The first round of funding, announced last month, supported over 20 projects and unlocked nearly $250 million in combined private and public investment. This initiative expanded affordable housing opportunities for workers and their families, including Northeast Health’s 16-bedroom facility for healthcare staff in Wangaratta and Goulburn Valley Health’s 18-bedroom development in Shepparton.
“The second round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is one of the ways we’re creating more housing where it’s needed most,” Ms Tierney said.
Applications for the second round are open until Friday, January 31. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf