Renewal SA has achieved another significant milestone against its target of 30 new homes for essential workers in South Australia's regions, just in time for Christmas.
The latest addition includes four brand new two- and three-bedroom homes in Mount Gambier, which was handed over to teachers, paramedics, and hospital workers on 10 December 2024.
Delivered by the Office for Regional Housing within Renewal SA, these homes are part of the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme aiming to boost investment in rental housing for critical workers in regional areas.
Matt Hunt, Director of Renewal SA's Office for Regional Housing, highlighted the importance of this milestone for regional South Australia's essential services.
"Today's handover isn't just about housing," said Mr Hunt.
"It's about getting teachers in classrooms, and medical personnel and first responders in regional communities around the state.
"We are working with stakeholders from across government, local councils, and the private sector to deliver high-quality homes that provide a comfortable environment for the essential workers our regions need.
"Without places for these workers to live, communities in regional South Australia will be at a significant disadvantage."
According to the City of Mount Gambier's Local Affordable Housing Plan released in July 2024, the area has been struggling to meet housing demands, with the town's vacancy rate lower than the state average.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor, Lynette Martin OAM, recognised the importance of collaborating with industry and government to address housing challenges in the area.
"Affordable housing and housing availability for rent or purchase, is a major challenge in Mount Gambier and Council welcomes the development of these new dwellings for essential workers in our city," said Mayor Martin.
"This is a step in the right direction to find ways to house key workers who provide essential services to our community and ensure the future economic growth of our city. We recognise the importance of working in partnership with all tiers of government, business, and service providers to address this issue."
In addition to the four homes being handed over this week, two more four-bedroom homes are under construction in Mount Gambier, which are set to be completed by mid-2025 for SA Police Officers.
Local third-generation, family-owned and operated Empak Homes are the builders behind the six dwellings.
Construction Manager Emily Harvey said Empak Homes is proud to be supporting the local community through the delivery of key worker homes.
"Our educators and health care professionals are vital members of our local community. The opportunity to be delivering homes to support Mount Gambier's essential services is an absolute privilege to be involved in and is not taken for granted.
"We are proud to have delivered these homes using 100% local trades, supporting families within our community," said Ms Harvey.
In October, the Office for Regional Housing successfully delivered the first four homes under the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme to police and health workers in Port Augusta.
Mr Hunt said the Office for Regional Housing was gaining momentum in delivering these projects, with more announcements expected in the coming months.
"Things are starting to move quickly," Mr Hunt said.
"Our construction partners in the regions understand the challenge of ensuring housing stock for key workers across South Australia and are working at a significant pace to get the job done.
"We expect the completion of another five homes in Renmark, four in Moonta Bay, and five in Kadina around the first quarter of next year," Mr Hunt added.
Renewal SA's Office for Regional Housing was established in 2023 with the goal of supporting economic development and job growth in country areas by providing advice and assistance to help accelerate key strategic housing projects.
Its Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme is among the Office for Regional Housing key priorities, facilitating a pilot program of 30 housing deliveries across the Copper Coast, Riverland, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Ceduna.
It's expected all 30 houses under the pilot program will be complete by September 2025, with additional projects set to be announced in the coming months following a $20 million boost to the scheme announced in the 2024-2025 State Budget.
