MALLEE farmers can now build worker accommodation on their properties without the need for a planning permit, under a new streamlined planning approval process.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced an amendment to the Victoria Planning Provisions that exempted farm businesses from requiring a planning permit for on-farm accommodation for up to 10 people.
Ms Thomas said the program would help farm businesses provide suitable on-farm accommodation for their vital seasonal workforces, removing one of the common barriers to the attraction and retention of workers for this industry.
“On-farm accommodation eliminates the need for seasonal workers to find a place to stay in nearby towns,” she said.
“It removes the often long-distance travel to and from farms, cuts travel expenses and reduces the impact on rural and regional roads.”
Ms Thomas said the planning permit exemption was available exclusively for accommodation for workers engaged in agriculture.
She said it must be on at least 40 hectares of land on a property within the farming zone. It must meet requirements relating to connections to electricity, water and wastewater treatment.
“This complements the Victorian Government’s commitment to tackle housing shortages and other barriers to regional workforce attraction through the $5 million Regional Workforce Pilots,” Ms Thomas said.
Robinvale will be part of the pilot program, in a partnership with the Seasonal Workforce Accommodation Action Team, led by the Swan Hill Rural City Council, which has been established to encourage investment solutions for seasonal workforce accommodation and ensure greater COVIDSafe compliance.
