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Victoria launches $150M Regional Worker Accommodation Fund for grants to aid rural workforce with affordable housing

Victoria launches $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, grants aiding affordable housing for rural workforce. Additional funds support tiny towns and community projects in rural and regional areas.

By news@gippsland - 7th December 2023 - Back to News

Workers in key industries across rural and regional Victoria are set to benefit from a boost in affordable housing and accommodation, with the new $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund now open. Grants between $150,000 and $5 million are available for public and private organisations to develop projects that deliver affordable housing and accommodation. These projects will support local businesses to retain and attract workers in regional Victoria.

Applications for $150M Regional Worker Accommodation Fund that provides new housing and accommodation for regional workers is open until 25 February 2024

Regional housing expansion

The new Regional Worker Accommodation Fund follows the success of the projects like the Ararat East Development Zone - part of the $5 million Regional Workforce Pilots initiative - that has supported sewage and other infrastructure connections to develop up to 160 lots at the Greenhill Lake housing estate.

Homeowners Emily Hanns and Mat Smith are two Ararat locals who are benefiting from this pilot with their new home currently under construction. Both work in key industries in Ararat and are looking forward to living closer to where they work.

The government is also delivering an additional $1 billion through the Regional Housing Fund - building more than 1,300 new homes with a mix of social and affordable housing, on top of the Big Housing Build, which includes $1.25 billion to build new homes in communities across rural and regional Victoria.

Tiny town improvements

While the government gets on with ensuring more regional Victorians can live closer to where they work, it is also supporting projects that make our tiniest towns even better places to live. The Tiny Towns Fund is ensuring that our state's smallest communities are supported to develop projects that benefit locals and help attract visitors.

Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver infrastructure projects, such as hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades, public art and more, with $20 million available across the state. Eligible applicants include community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5,000 people across regional Victoria and outer metro-Melbourne. Further rounds will be available from next year.

Regional community support

The third fund to open this week is the $25 million Regional Council Support Package, which is also supporting even more local projects that promise long-lasting benefits for communities in rural and regional Victoria. Projects supported through that fund will be designed to create better public spaces for events, empower volunteers, strengthen businesses and communities and promote Traditional Owner culture, participation and leadership.

The announcement follows extensive consultation with local councils, industry bodies, Traditional Owner groups and communities about what they need most to ensure they thrive into the future. An expression of interest process for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is open until 25 February. To find out more refer to Regional Worker Accommodation Fund website.

Pictures from Regional Development Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Latrobe City urges state election candidates to back economic transformation, infrastructure investment, job creation and community safety priorities
  Latrobe City Council is urging Victorian election candidates to commit funding for economic development, infrastructure, job creation and community safety ahead of Yallourn Power Station 2028 closure.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
  Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
  The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
  Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities.
• Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
  Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration.
• Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
  Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration.