SIX businesses in north-west Victoria have received funding to build new accommodation for seasonal workers.
The grants are part of a $1 million Seasonal Workforce Accommodation Program, which provides funding for COVIDSafe accommodation, transport and support services to the state’s key horticulture regions.
Family-owned fruit and avocado business Cutri Fruit, near Swan Hill, received a $171,490 grant for transportable cabins to provide suitable accommodation for eight workers at its Wood Wood orchard.
Grape grower Sorbara – at Woorinen, near Swan Hill – received $234,910 to install five cabins to accommodate 13 seasonal workers in COVIDSafe facilities on its farm.
Boundary Bend Olives received $62,000 to create a temporary COVIDSafe caravan park for workers to support the olive harvest, while Boundary Bend General Store and Restaurant has received $84,000 to build accommodation for up to 16 workers to support local farm businesses.
Mildura City Backpackers received $45,000 to build COVIDSafe dining facilities, and Wood Wood Caravan Park received $91,000 to increase accommodation capacity for seasonal workers.
“Suitable accommodation, transport and training are all issues that can stop local workers from joining the seasonal harvest,” Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“These grants help growers to remove these barriers and attract more workers to the sector.”
Industry groups have also been funded to help farmers and businesses find workers, create training resources and connect workers with mental health services as part of the Government’s $1 million Seasonal Workforce Industry Support Program.
Citrus Australia, Fruit Growers Victoria and the Australian Table Grape Association each received $100,000 to provide resources to help farm businesses secure a local workforce.
The Approved Employers of Australia, which supports businesses and the Pacific Mobility Schemes, received $150,000 to help businesses connect with Pacific workers.
Both programs are part of a State Government $76 million program to address workforce challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
