A host of essential worker accommodation units has been officially opened in Narrogin as a step to ease the detrimental shortage in the district.
Joined by Shire of Narrogin councillors and staff, key stakeholders and local traders, Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson declared 18 Fleetwood Australia single-person units, known as the recharge retreat, open in the Narrogin Caravan Park on April 16.
Complementing the existing six units already operating at the park, the $2 million investment is designed to meet the ever-growing demand for short-term key worker accommodation.
According to the shire, the project has delivered about $300,000 in local economic benefit through local business, trades and supplier engagement.
The new self-contained units only reduce the caravan park capacity by two hardstand bays.
Mr Dawson said the short-term worker housing would support Narrogin in capturing opportunities from upcoming large-scale renewable energy projects and allied civil works.
He said these units would support Narrogin’s economic growth, relieve housing pressure and provide revenue for the community.
“After hearing the price that the council put towards this, I’m going to be talking about this project as I go around the State because I think it could be easily copied by a number of communities,” Mr Dawson said.
“I know there was lots of hard work put into this and I acknowledge the vision of the Shire of Narrogin.”
The minister said Narrogin’s project would create lasting benefits critical to the ongoing prosperity for the community and broader region.
“Projects like this are not just about the buildings, they’re about the people, and ensuring that quality accommodation is available for those workers that are needed to support local service delivery,” he said.
“To help build infrastructure that we need to futureproof WA.”
Shire president Leigh Ballard said the development was “more than just accommodation”, and would ensure the community was ready to support major investment and growth in the region.
“With increasing demand from renewable energy and infrastructure projects, these units provide essential, high-quality accommodation for workers relocating to Narrogin, while also supporting future tourism growth,” Cr Ballard said.
Mr Dawson said housing was one of the Government’s current key vocal points and his focus was ensuring WA’s nine regions are “front and centre of our State’s prosperity”.
He said that Narrogin’s participation in the $32.8m Wheatbelt regional housing initiative, a Commonwealth-funded project aimed at delivering 459 homes across 10 shires, was critical in the project’s success.
“It’s particularly important in regional WA, it’s chicken and egg, if you haven’t got houses you can’t fill jobs, haven’t got houses, you can’t get your kids out of the house,” he said.
“It’s a rite of passage, has been for many Australians, to move out of home.
“This will help local governments, industries and service providers attract and retain workers, ease housing pressures and strengthen communities.”
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