Agritourism and tiny home stays could be key to securing the future of Braidwood, a heritage-listed rural town near Canberra, which is grappling with housing shortages and the growing impact of climate change on farming.
Home to 1,700 people, Braidwood became NSW's first heritage-listed town in 2006, a status that locals say brings charm and challenges. With the town's primary farming industry under increasing pressure and a critical shortage of homes for essential workers, locals are eyeing new ways to revitalise the community.
Agritourism, paired with tiny homes, is one option the Braidwood and Villages Chamber is considering. Chair George Sherriff says the town's housing constraints are causing vital workers like nurses to work locally on a fly-in, fly-out basis.
"We've got a real problem with ensuring we have enough houses for the people we need to keep Braidwood ticking over. It's hard to attract people to work here when there isn't enough housing available.
"Another challenge is supporting our local farmers to get the best out of their land, especially given climate change. We all know the impact one bad year can have.
"Quality tiny houses could make all the difference - fast," he says.
To help landowners explore the opportunity, the Chamber is hosting a Farm Stay Tiny Home Field Day at Braidwood Farm Stay on April 9.
Among those leading the charge is retired Naval Commander Geoff McGinley, who launched Adapt Homes in 2024. His homes, built to the National Construction Code, carry 7-star energy efficiency ratings, are designed to withstand bushfires and come complete on their own commercial truck trailer; the only ones of their kind in Australia.
"Communities across Australia are facing the same issues - small populations in rural and remote areas need housing for their people and alternative income streams. This is the only way they can continue to grow and thrive.
"Just building houses isn't the solution. Tiny houses built to the same standards of traditional homes can provide an essential lifeline for these communities as they progress long-term growth developments," he says.
Agritourism is rising nationally, with operators increasing by 50% between September 2020 and November 2023. Locally, Saddle Camp owner Helen Faulkner has already seen the benefits. She and her husband turned to tiny homes in response to drought and now welcome visitors from across the world.
"Creating our farm stay has ensured we have a diverse income source for our future, but we can also connect more people to the land where their food is grown, which is so vital in helping people understand why we all need to work together to support our rural communities.
"Bringing quality tiny houses to Braidwood would not only create new income opportunities, it would also build resilience in our town - whether dealing with natural disasters or tackling the current housing shortage," she says.
The Braidwood Farm Stay Tiny Home Field Day will be held on April 9, and the Adapt Homes show home will be on-site.
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About Adapt Homes
Adapt Homes offers the freedom of tiny home living alongside the comfort and safety of an expertly crafted modular home, giving all Australians the opportunity to own a safe, quality home that can take their owners wherever they need to be. Created by former Navy Commander Geoff McGinley, Adapt Homes was inspired by Geoff's mission to create an adaptable living solution that offers flexibility, comfort, and safety.
