Workers will be able to camp in tents on private property this summer as the accommodation and labour shortage facing our region reaches crisis point.
Temporary worker accommodation permits will allow workers camp or reside at homes and businesses within Colac Otway Shire between 1 November and 30 April each holiday season, while in the Surf Coast Shire, seasonal workers have been given the green light to camp in backyards for up to 120 days.
The plan is one of the many short-term initiatives to attract hospitality workers to tourist hotspots such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, where a lack of affordable housing is forcing some hospitality businesses to restrict opening hours just as they are trying to get back on their feet after nearly two years interrupted by the pandemic.
G21 is calling for state and governments to step in a provide temporary housing this summer as well as a long-term plan to address the shortage of affordable key worker and social housing across the region.
Listen to G21 CEO Giulia Baggio being interviewed by Patricia Karvelas on RN Drive.