Council launches Key Worker Housing Strategy

Published on 28 June 2024

Murrindindi Shire Council has adopted its first Key Worker Housing Strategy. Designed to support important industries within our Shire, this Strategy aims to provide a pathway for the development of safe, secure, and suitable housing for key workers, regardless of income. Many of our local businesses report difficulty recruiting staff and growing with the constrained access to housing.

The Strategy will help Council and partners make decisions, plan, and deliver housing for key workers. It guides the development of suitable land that will offer various housing options for industries such as Health and Aged Care, Tourism, Hospitality, Agriculture and Manufacturing. This includes both temporary and permanent housing options depending on the needs of the community. Sites owned by Council and other state agencies have been identified across the Shire.

Council is fostering growth in our local economy and community by enabling those who wish to move to the Shire or transition from their family home, making it easier to find a safe and suitable place to live.

The Strategy has identified two Council-owned sites at 174 Grant Street and 94 Nihil Street in Alexandra that are suitable for development. Council is planning to seek expressions of interest from residential developers to develop these sites for key worker housing and enter a long-term lease arrangement with Council. More information about this opportunity will be provided on Council’s e-tender portal.

Council has applied for a government grant to facilitate the development of key worker housing in Eildon, support the local economy and enable local business to grow.

Read the Key Worker Strategy here(PDF, 1MB), or call (03) 5772 0333.

Council’s Sustainability, Community Wellbeing and Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said “Council’s Key Worker Housing Strategy will bring significant social and economic benefits to our beautiful Murrindindi Shire. It addresses an identified need, and will encourage the growth of our community, as people and businesses are able to hit the ground running, knowing work can begin, without worrying about where staff will be living”.