A LANDMARK $6 million seasonal worker accommodation project will be a blueprint to address Mildura’s housing crisis, according to Member for Mildura Ali Cupper.
The $5.94 million facility at The Palms Caravan Park on Cureton Avenue, Mildura, will accommodate up to 320 seasonal workers in a CovidSafe environment.
It will include the construction of 40 cabins, each with two ensuites and a kitchenette; the construction of a mess hall with cooking, dining, recreation and laundry facilities; the purchase of 20 vehicles with capacity to seat at least 11 passengers each to transport seasonal workers to and from work; and refurbishment of an existing on-site swimming pool.
Ms Cupper said a Victorian Government commitment of $1 million would spearhead the worker accommodation project.
“The announcement shows that our advocacy efforts are hitting the mark and we are grateful that the government is listening,” Ms Cupper said.
“This project will be a blueprint for other local entrepreneurs to tap into the worker accommodation market and help contribute to the solution.
“The pandemic has been significantly challenging for our horticulture industries, and alongside the issue of worker shortages has been the massive shortage in suitable worker accommodation.
“Modern problems require modern solutions and having a purpose-built facility that can safely house this number of seasonal workers will lead to increases in worker intake, productivity and grower confidence.”
Ms Cupper said the Mildura local government area’s primary industry was worth more than $1.13 billion to Victoria’s economy each year, but it required the infrastructure to support it.
“This new model of accommodation holds enormous promise as a highly efficient way to build our worker accommodation stock and offer farmers an affordable and convenient option where all the bureaucratic rules and red tape are being managed by an expert,” she said.
“My vision would be to have an extra 5000 beds in five years — we need to aim for those numbers if we are going to get on top of this issue.”
Works at the site have started and are being delivered by Regional Development Victoria’s Mildura team on behalf of Agriculture Victoria.
