They say there's no place like home.
But, for many workers, 'home' often must become flexible, particularly when they work a job requiring a short-term relocation.
Such was the case for Thomas Dwyer, when work brought him from New South Wales to Koroit.
Nestled on the slopes of Tower Hill and located just north of the Princes Highway between Port Fairy and Warrnambool, Koroit is a town of unique charm and character.
But for Thomas, who is the site manager for AGL’s Macarthur Windfarm and is just over halfway through a six-month stay in the town, it wasn’t the smoothest transition.
Indeed, he found himself up against an all-too-common struggle - that of finding comfortable and appropriate accommodation in a region with a housing shortage.
'I was looking for places to buy, or decent places to rent in Koroit, Port Fairy and Warrnambool. I even started looking as far afield as Portland and Hamilton,' said Thomas.
'But I found there was a real shortage of suitable accommodation,' he added.
Finally, Thomas found a home away from home at the Koroit Caravan Park.
Backed by $465,000 from the Victorian Government's Regional Recovery Fund, the park features 5 unique worker accommodation units.
Built as self-contained studios, designed to house temporary workers and those new to the region, the units offer all the comforts of home.
Each cabin includes:
- A queen-size bed
- A furnished living space
- A kitchenette with cooking facilities
- A flat screen TV
- Climate control systems, including air conditioning.
Not only that, but tenants can also access communal facilities at the park including laundry services, barbecues, dining areas and gardens.
The Koroit Caravan Park is also situated within walking distance to local shops, services and attractions.
According to Michael Fish, Superintendent of BMD Constructions, the design of the units set them apart.
'BMD utilised the units while we were delivering the Hawkesdale Wind Farm project.'
'They provided key project personnel and subcontractors a homely space, with all the amenities they needed while living away from home during the project's construction,' said Michael.
'Having access to personal cooking and bathroom facilities was excellent. It provided a level of comfort that wouldn't have been available at other temporary accommodation,' he added.
Importantly, the units are also located within a close vicinity to a range of job sites.
For Thomas Dwyer, they are a 30-minute drive from Macarthur Windfarm. This easy access is crucial for his job function, which often includes hosting visiting support staff.
'We have AGL support staff from Melbourne and other capital cities visiting our site every week,’ he said.
'It's very important for our operations that they're able to stay locally, and often they'll be in the park with me,' he added.
But it's not only windfarms that are supported by the worker accommodation. Tenants fulfill a range of jobs around Koroit, across several industries.
The units, which have achieved a steady 95% occupancy rate since opening, have generated an estimated $2.4 million for the local economy to date.
‘It’s a wonderful place to stay, for a short or extended time. The cabins are comfortable, and the park operators ensure that we can enjoy a safe and friendly environment,’ said Thomas.
On the rare occasion that they are not occupied by itinerant workers, the units support the visitor economy by housing tourists.
Koroit is one of many locations around the state where the creation of worker accommodation is being supported by the Victorian Government.
Throughout Victoria’s regions, worker accommodation projects are being delivered to help ensure people can live closer to where they work.
The Government has also announced $150 million for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which will support shovel-ready projects that provide new housing and accommodation for regional communities where workers in key industries and their families are struggling to find places to live.
These worker housing initiatives are part of our record investment of $45 billion over the past decade in projects and programs that are making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play.