The Andrews Labor Government is laying the groundwork for more housing along the Great South Coast as part of its commitment to address workforce shortages across the state.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Timboon, which is one of two locations to benefit from a new residential housing development, supported by a $2 million investment from the Labor Government.
The funding will enable Corangamite Shire Council to unlock residential development by providing essential infrastructure including water, power, telecommunication and sewage connections, footpaths and drainage at two sites in Timboon and Simpson.
The project will develop up to 140 residential blocks across the two sites for the Great South Coast's growing population and for workers during peak tourism periods.
This investment forms part of Government's $5 million Regional Workforce Pilots, which have been developed to address workforce challenges in parts of regional and rural Victoria.
Pilot sites are being developed in five regions across the state, including in the Great South Coast to support coordination between local, state and Commonwealth governments and test solutions to workforce shortages which can include addressing housing and accommodation shortages.
The Government is also investing in a range of other housing initiatives which include building five affordable housing units at the Moyne Koroit Caravan Park to cater for seasonal workers, which has been backed by $465,000 from the Regional Recovery Fund.
Housing availability and access to workers are key priorities for the Great South Coast Regional Partnership, and these initiatives will support the Partnership's ongoing work to grow regional jobs and improve population outcomes.
The Regional Workforce Pilots are part of the Government's almost $30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria since 2015.
The Pilots and regional housing initiativesbuild on the Government's historic $5.3 billion Big Housing Build to construct more than 12,000 new secure and modern, social and affordable homes throughout the state - with $1.25 billion being invested in regional Victoria.
For more information about these initiatives visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"We understand that workforce and housing shortages are a real issue in our regional towns, especially those that are becoming a destination for holiday makers - that's why we are investing in projects to help solve these issues and boost employment across the state."
