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.

This Fund is part of the redirection of the state government budget that was dedicated to the cancelled Commonwealth Games.

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.

Although who or what might be eligible is quite vague, on making further enquiry agriculture is considered a key industry, and in theory building accommodation on a private farm would be eligible. Whether a house for one or two workers would be considered top of the priority list remains to be seen, it would most likely depend on the number and value of other applications.

An expression of interest process for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund are open until 25 February. A brief outline of the program is below.

Co-contribution requirements

There is no minimum co-contribution requirement. However, all applicants are encouraged to contribute towards the total project budget of eligible activities and expenses for key worker housing.

Project proposals able to demonstrate financial contributions towards eligible activities and expenses will be considered favourably during assessment. Additionally, private sector applicants must confirm their maximum level of contribution towards eligible activities and expenses.

What will be funded

Funding will be provided for housing, accommodation and related infrastructure that increases the supply of appropriate and affordable housing and accommodation for key workers and their families.

The projects must support job security, economic growth, and improved access to services across rural and regional Victoria.

Applicants will be asked to describe a proposed project that delivers a net increase of housing and accommodation for key workers and provide evidence that it is needed in that location.

Funding will only be provided to support projects that would not have been delivered without government intervention.

Projects must:

• Provide housing or accommodation for key workers and their families in regional locations.

• Deliver a net gain or increase in appropriate housing or accommodation in that location for key workers and their families.

• Provide affordable housing or accommodation for key workers and their families for a minimum of five years following completion.

• Provide housing or accommodation that will be available for key workers and their families at least 70 per cent of the time throughout the annual period of demand.

• Show a direct benefit to the location and its community through alignment with the Fund objectives (Section 1.2 of Program Guidelines) and outcomes (Section 1.3 of Program Guidelines).

• Projects may also show alignment with current and relevant government (local, regional, state, or federal) economic and placed-based plans or strategies.

Further information on eligible projects, funding and the application and outcome process are outlined in the Program Guidelines and frequently asked questions.

Application Process

Expressions of interest opened December 1, 2023 and close at 12am February 25, 2024. If your expression of interest is successful, you will be invited to submit a formal application in late March 2024.

Potential applicants are encouraged to consider their ability to meet the program requirements and how they will perform against the assessment criteria before developing an application.

You must first discuss the proposed project with your local RDV Business Centre. The department will provide you with feedback on the project’s suitability for funding under the program and will also provide you with a link to the online expression of interest form.

The Program Guidelines provide further details about preparing an application.

Picture: Farmers wishing to install workers accommodation are eligible to apply for the Regional Workers Accommodation Fund. Michelle Muir.