A New South Wales coal town has endorsed what's being called a ‘landmark’ policy to ensure its longevity through renewable energy projects. The policy from Muswellbrook shire council will require renewables projects to build permanent accommodation in town, banning "donga-style" workers camps. The villages could then be reused as affordable housing, which locals say is desperately needed.
00:00When a community needs to house an influx of temporary workers, it often turns to structures like these.
00:09But one town in the Hunter is looking for a more permanent solution.
00:13We estimate about 4,000 extra workers will need accommodation in the next four or five years.
00:18We're about the community getting the maximum benefit.
00:21Musselbrook is in the process of repurposing its old coal-fired power station
00:26while moving forward with new renewable energy projects.
00:29But the extra workers won't be housed in remote camps.
00:33The council is forcing project developers to build permanent villages for them in town.
00:38We want them to come in. We want them to assimilate into the community.
00:41We want them going to our pubs and clubs and restaurants and having their meals there.
00:45The accommodation will then be reused when the workers leave town in ways that can help tackle the housing crisis.
00:52So what we're seeing is a lack of affordable housing.
00:56Rental vacancy rates in Musselbrook are already close to 1%, while the latest data shows median rents have increased by 50% over the last five years.
01:06The fact is it hasn't kept up. We haven't got enough housing. So we need to change that. We need to do something different.
01:12And I think Musselbrook councillor is a great example of a council going, OK, it's up to us. What can we do?
01:18I think the council should be congratulated on taking the initiative and the intent is certainly good.
01:25But it's a matter of whether businesses will be able to respond, whether they've allowed for the cost of providing accommodation.
01:34Ensuring new energy projects don't exacerbate old housing problems.
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