URGENT UPDATE: The Victorian Government has just announced a significant investment to house 42 tourism workers at the Mount Buffalo Chalet, following a new partnership with the Melbourne-based Belgravia Group. This initiative is part of the second round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which aims to address housing shortages in regional Victoria.
The funding will facilitate the transformation of the chalet’s north wing into essential worker accommodation, featuring 38 bedrooms with shared amenities such as kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. This redevelopment is crucial as it supports the growing demand for hospitality, tourism, and agricultural workers in the Alpine region.
Details: Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes revealed the funding details in Wangaratta on August 8, 2024. In total, 23 projects will share over $120 million in public and private investment, creating more than 750 bedrooms across regional Victoria. This funding will not only enhance worker accommodations but also boost the local economy by providing housing for essential workers.
The Belgravia Group will utilize the chalet for “experiential learning programs,” which are expected to engage over 5,000 students a year in exploring the breathtaking Mount Buffalo National Park. A spokesperson stated, “The project will transform the north wing of the Mount Buffalo Chalet into key worker accommodation, making a significant impact on local employment stability.”
In addition to the chalet project, social enterprise Nestd Developments is set to convert a site in Wangaratta into a healthcare worker accommodation hub. This initiative will include 34 dwellings to support Northeast Health Wangaratta, aiming to attract more healthcare professionals to the area. The development will provide 23 one-bedroom units, five two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units, accommodating up to 102 residents, including family members.
Minister Symes emphasized the critical need for affordable housing, stating, “By supporting shovel-ready worker housing projects, we’re enabling better access to affordable accommodation across the state, which is crucial for health, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing.”
In another initiative, Benalla Health has also received funding to build 18 self-contained units to house 34 workers, further addressing the housing crisis in the region.
This ambitious funding plan aims to enhance living conditions for workers, which is essential for maintaining a stable workforce in regional Victoria. As these projects advance, they promise to create a sustainable future for local communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing projects and their impact on regional Victoria’s workforce and economy.
