Thursday, 28 November 2024

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:21): This government is committed to the economic development of our regions. We know many regional businesses need workers. Regional workers do not just need decent jobs, they need places to live, and that is why I was pleased to recently open round 2 of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund. Round 1 is already backing key industries like health, agriculture and tourism to ensure more businesses have the key workers they need to thrive, from the new one-bedroom units to support healthcare workers in Kyabram to 1300 extra beds across the three alpine resorts, making it even easier for geographically isolated tourism businesses to ensure that they can bring in the workforce that they need to operate year round. Round 1 is driving nearly $250 million in combined public and private investment to deliver more than 20 housing and accommodation projects across regional Victoria. And what better place to make this announcement than at the recent Victorian Country Press Association’s annual conference, because nobody understands the needs of our local communities like our local papers. Regions that have not yet received a Regional Worker Accommodation Fund grant or have strong shovel-ready ideas in partnership with local businesses and industry are strongly encouraged to apply in this second round. Round 2 opened on Monday 18 November and closes on Friday 31 January next year. For new projects inspired by the first round or for those who missed out in round 1, this is your opportunity. This means more rural and regional communities will have housing, skills and workforces that they need to thrive.