Victorian government invests $150m in regional worker accommodation

On the heels of opting out from hosting the Commonwealth Games 2026, the Andrews government has announced the investment of $150 million in a Regional Worker Accommodation Fund as part of a $2 billion package to “ensure regional Victoria receives all the legacy benefits that would have been facilitated by hosting the Commonwealth Games”.

The fund aims to provide new housing options for regional communities where key workers are struggling to find affordable housing.

Furthermore, the regional package includes a $1 billion Regional Housing Fund in order to deliver over 1,300 new homes across the state’s regional areas ahead of the Housing Statement to be released later this year and adding to the state government’s Big Housing Build.

The exact locations of the mix of housing are set to be determined in consultation with councils, regional partnerships, and local communities.

Premier Dan Andrews stated: “Nothing is more important than finding your own home and this package is delivering real and lasting benefits to Victorians by helping more of them live where they want to live.

“This is about celebrating what our great state has to offer and we’ll work with the regions to get the best outcomes for them – with the greatest benefit.”

The Victorian government recently announced it would pull out of hosting the Commonwealth Games 2026 due to the cost of hosting was projected to exceed the estimated economic benefit the games would bring to Victoria (particularly in the regional areas), forecasting a blowout of $6 billion.

The government instead chose to invest in housing and regional initiatives to ensure the regions do not miss out on much-needed support.

Premier Andrews stated providing more housing options in regional Victoria was a priority based on the feedback from locals.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the government intends on delivering “every one of the permanent facilities we said we would – delivering the lasting benefit too”.

“We know how hard it is to find affordable housing in so many parts of regional Victoria – that’s why we’ll deliver more than 1,300 new homes with a new $1 billion Regional Housing Fund,” Ms Allan added.

Minister for regional development, Harriet Shing, said the fund was about creating secure jobs and assisting business growth to attract more visitors to regional Victoria.

“Finding a place to live is one of the biggest challenges in attracting and keeping workers in the regions – building workers’ accommodation is just one way we want to help,” Ms Shing said.

[RELATED: Victoria opts for housing over Commonwealth Games]