There is a need to provide housing for temporary workers involved in constructing large-scale projects within renewable energy zones (REZs). As NSW strives for a net-zero future, it is crucial that construction workers, who are vital to the completion of these infrastructure projects, have housing with minimal disruption to the communities housing supply.
In response to these challenges, the Department has undertaken reforms to support the delivery of construction worker accommodation within REZs.
These changes provide a clear planning pathway to improve certainty for industry, councils and the community.
We are providing immediate support for councils with renewable energy projects in their area. The changes will:
- create a local planning pathway for housing for construction workers of renewable energy projects (construction workers accommodation)
- ensure appropriate construction, design and safety standards for manufactured homes and relocatable homes apply to construction workers accommodation.
Guidelines for Construction Workers Accommodation (guidelines) have been prepared to accompany the reforms, and to support proponents and councils in preparing and considering development applications for construction workers accommodation.
Construction workers accommodation
Construction workers accommodation is temporary accommodation built to house workers that are in a region for a fixed term. This type of housing aims to help alleviate the temporary housing demand that results from many workers coming into a region due to large-scale projects.
Exhibition of the Temporary and Seasonal Workers Accommodation Toolkit
The Department exhibited the Temporary and Seasonal Workers Accommodation Toolkit between August and September 2023. The toolkit included proposed amendments that are intended to simplify the planning pathway for accommodation for temporary and seasonal workers.
Feedback received about temporary and seasonal workers accommodation highlighted the complexities of this issue and the many competing needs.
In the meantime, we will continue to support councils who may wish to include localised provisions in their local environmental plans or provide guidance when required.
Documents exhibited in 2023:
For more information, read our frequently asked questions or email the Stakeholder Engagement team on [email protected]