MOUNT Buller is set to receive a significant boost in worker accommodation, with the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund (RWAF) contributing to the construction of 1300 new beds across Victoria’s alpine resorts, including Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham.

The $138 million project, to be delivered by the Grollo Group, aims to address the growing shortage of accommodation for key workers in the state’s alpine regions.

The new worker beds will be built at the Mount Hotham Airfield, Mount Buller, and Bogong Village at Falls Creek.

The initiative is part of the first round of projects announced under the RWAF, which was designed to support regional businesses in attracting and retaining essential staff by providing affordable housing options.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney announced the RWAF’s first round of funding last Friday.

More than 20 projects are included in this initial round, with a combined $250 million in private and public investment to create new regional housing.

The Grollo Group’s project is expected to alleviate the significant worker accommodation shortage in Victoria’s alpine resorts, which has been identified as a critical barrier to economic and tourism growth in these regions.

Grollo Group director property, Martin Ansell, said planning permits are currently being finalised for the 1300 new beds.

“The funding has meant 400 new beds at Mount Buller, 600 at Hotham and 300 at Bogong, on top of the 200 beds already there,” he said.

“We’re finalising planning permits at the moment so we’re hoping to see those resolved in the last quarter of this year and then next year the first stages can commence.

“It will most likely be complete two years post those permits resolving as it’s quite a big development across the three locations.

“We’ve gone out to prospective tenants and businesses at the resorts and working through those pre-commitments; demand is very strong.

“This will be significant for our busy periods, one because it’s fit for purpose, so designed for the intended use including amenities design.

“It also just opens up 1300 beds, and businesses and owners will know they have locked in accommodation for those workers.

“At the moment they're having to plan season to season and it’s hard to manage operating hours when you don’t know if you can house staff.

“It’s offers businesses certainty and balance, therefore producing a better offering for the customers.

“We’re really excited and very appreciative of the government support, now it’s up to us to make this happen.”

Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) welcomed the funding, highlighting the importance of providing housing for workers in order to sustain the state's $2.14 billion alpine sector.

Amber Gardner, CEO of ARV, said the project would be crucial in enabling continued growth and ensuring the sustainability of Victoria’s alpine resorts.

“Funding like this from the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will provide critical investment in Victoria’s alpine resorts to enable continued and sustainable growth for our $2.14 billion sector,” said Ms Gardner.

“One of the key challenges facing the state’s alpine resorts is a critical shortage of worker accommodation, which impacts the resort by limiting business and product growth opportunities.”

“ARV worked with the Grollo Group to raise awareness and understanding of this critical project, so couldn’t be happier to see it recognised by state government via this funding program.”

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney emphasised the importance of collaboration between private businesses, industries, and local communities to ensure the success of these projects.

“We’re working closely with private sector businesses, industry and community groups to build the homes and accommodation our towns need – making sure regional areas have the skilled workers they need so our communities can prosper,” said Minister Tierney.

The construction of the worker accommodation at Mount Buller is expected to commence in 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.