Tourist & Visitor Accommodation (Temporary Workers Accommodation)
Published on 26 May 2025
Media Statement 26 May 2025
TOURIST AND VISITOR ACCOMMODATION (TEMPORARY WORKERS ACCOMMODATION FACILITY)
For immediate release.
At its April Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed Development Application (DA) DA2024/566 Tourist and Visitor Accommodation (Temporary Workers Accommodation Facility) at 14 Marshall Street, Gilgandra be approved in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The DA sought approval under the "Tourist and Visitor Accommodation" land use category, the most appropriate classification for a temporary workforce camp, in the absence of a specific " temporary workforce accommodation facility" definition as prescribed under the current Gilgandra Local Environmental Plan 2011 (LEP).
At the time the LEP was developed, there was no requirement for a Temporary Workforce Accommodation Facilities (TWAF) definition, but as regional infrastructure investment grows, so too does the need to adapt our planning framework.
The proposed development is part of the Gilgandra Shire Council’s (GSC) major infrastructure projects readiness plan. The temporary workforce accommodation will accommodate up to 500 workers at any given time who will be employed on the Inland Rail and Milpulling Wind Farm projects. Both projects are forecasting in excess of 500 workers on each project at any given time.
General Manager, David Neeves says
“The TWAF aims to ease housing pressures during peak construction, minimising impact on the broader community. You only need to look at how other communities, particularly those impacted by mining or major projects were impacted when workers housing was not strategically planned. The locality of the camp was chosen to allow these workers to live in town and be part of the community as opposed to having workcamps located out of town, where businesses would experience less benefit.”
“The development has been strategically designed to allow for legacy infrastructure, including water, sewer and power to be delivered through the construction of the TWAF, with the intention for this to be retained for future residential development needs at the Aero Park estate (stage 4).”
Adding,
It is worth noting that construction of the TWAF still remains some time into the future and will be closely linked to the progress of Inland Rail and Milpulling Wind Farm.”
“It is not Council’s intention to construct the Work Camp. Work Camps are a specific industry and are quite fluid depending on where the work is. Council will be working with the major project proponents and specialist work camp providers for them to undertake the development under a lease agreement.”
The TWAF represents a significant strategic project for the region, one that balances immediate infrastructure needs with long-term community benefit. It’s important that the community understands the rationale and strategic thinking behind the development.
GSC remains committed to ensuring that major infrastructure projects benefit our community not just in the short term, but as a catalyst for future growth and development.
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Contact: David Neeves
General Manager
council@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
02 6817 8800