Muswellbrook Shire Council will require operators of major projects in the Shire to house workers in lodgings that benefit the community long after they pack up and leave, under a policy formally adopted this week by Council.
The Council says its adoption of the Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy positions the Shire as a leader in managing the infrastructure rollout across the Hunter and NSW with a community-first focus.
Council estimates as many as 4,500 temporary workers will pass through Muswellbrook in the next decade, peaking at 1,250 between 2027 and 2029 as the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, Liddell demolition and New England Highway bypass all gather pace.
Mayor, Jeff Drayton said adopting the policy now provides clarity to developers, residents and local businesses.
“Major projects like the dozens we’re seeing in Muswellbrook Shire bring opportunity, but only if they’re managed responsibly to the standards of our community,” Mayor Drayton said.
“This is about housing supply, support for local business and locking in assets for our community. Muswellbrook is proud to set the standard that’s quickly become an aspiration for councils in the Hunter.”
Muswellbrook Shire’s policy will mean:
- Worker accommodation must be designed for reuse such as affordable housing, aged care or tourism, or to provide infrastructure that allows new residential subdivisions or industry to be built to benefit the Shire long-term;
- Accommodation must be near Shire towns and villages and connect to existing water, sewer, power and digital networks where possible;
- Operators must source food, laundry, recreation and medical services locally, ban “wet mess” alcohol facilities and run shuttles to local centres to support small business;
- Proponents must submit economic impact assessments to avoid harming Muswellbrook’s rental market or established visitor accommodation;
- Independent audits will track compliance with local procurement commitments.
The policy has been adopted following community feedback from a 28-day exhibition, with business and advocacy groups backing the Policy but seeking stronger mandates to protect housing affordability and support of local suppliers.
For more information or to read the policy, visit muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
