Kangaroo Island Worker Accommodation

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding the Thriving Regions Fund Enabling Infrastructure Program. Will the minister update the chamber on the major boost to Kangaroo Island's worker accommodation in Parndana?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:44): I thank the honourable member for his question. It is with great pleasure that I can convey that funding from the state government's Enabling Infrastructure program of $230,000 is going towards the fit-out of new worker accommodation in Kangaroo Island's Parndana.

The project, run by the Kangaroo Island Community Club, is supplementary to an existing commonwealth-funded 24-bed seasonal workers' accommodation project, and will address a major obstacle for farmers on the island, who struggle to recruit people during peak season due to the lack of available accommodation. The state government funding will contribute to the fit-out costs of the 24-bed accommodation facility, and will support Kangaroo Island producers.

The lack of workers' accommodation on Kangaroo Island has been an issue hampering agricultural economic output, recovery, growth and diversification. That, of course, has been exacerbated by the Black Summer fires of 2019/20, the lack of housing stock in general on the island, and year-round staffing demand.

Farmers are often significantly challenged when it comes to recruiting seasonal labour, not due necessarily to a lack of interest but due to lack of suitable and affordable accommodation options for workers. Farmers have often needed to provide on-farm accommodation, but the provision of independently-operated accommodation will provide security of labour availability and encourage investment and expansion to increase job numbers and expertise on the island.

This project will significantly support growing regional population, employment opportunities, growth in local agribusiness, and reduced operating costs, and will contribute to recovery and revitalisation in the wake of both the bushfires and COVID-19. The town of Parndana will directly benefit from the consolidated workers' accommodation, where local businesses will no doubt see an economic boost with the influx of workers spending money at local businesses and social facilities.

Consolidation of accommodation in the township will address the isolation issues experienced through the old, widely-dispersed on-farm accommodation, and will provide an improved work-life balance, greater mental health, and increased personal security, with access to sporting and recreational facilities also within walking distance.

Key worker accommodation in regional communities is crucial for the Malinauskas Labor government's agenda to strengthen regional economies. Addressing the critical lack of workers' accommodation on Kangaroo Island has long been a priority for the community, especially with more intensive high-value crops now being grown on the island. The Enabling Infrastructure program will give the community the opportunity to realise this important goal.