Council & Politics
18 August, 2025
Housing development underway
WORK has officially started on 10 new worker houses in Beaufort to help boost local service delivery and economic growth.
The housing development in Burke Street has become a reality with funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund as well as $2 million infrastructure funding from the Federal Government.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett visited the site last week to join local builders Hotondo Homes Ararat and GJ Gardner Homes Ballarat to officially launch construction at the site.
Configured in two or three-bedroom layouts, the completed homes will offer rental options for both long-term and seasonal workers and their families, especially those in agriculture, healthcare, construction and manufacturing.
The houses will also reduce reliance on workers from Ballarat and beyond to fill local jobs, providing employment opportunities that are not as reliant on access to transport.
As part of this project, water, electricity, sewerage and internet connections will also be installed at the Burke Street site and the adjacent building lot.
The works along with funding from the Australian Government, will enable Pyrenees Shire Council to further pursue a second stage of the development.
Ms Haylett said the Beaufort worker houses are another example of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund backing regional suppliers to deliver solutions to worker housing shortages.
“The development will support local jobs across Hotondo Homes and GJ Gardner Homes, ensuring the project is delivered by and for regional workers.
“This locally led approach is a key feature of projects being supported by the Labor Government across the regions and ensures regional communities have access to the skills and workforces they need to thrive,” she said.
“We know that a strong economy is one where jobs are created and supported where they’re needed most. That’s what we’re doing for Beaufort and other communities through our Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.”
Pyrenees Shire Council CEO Jim Nolan said the development will help ease the chronic shortage of housing for people wanting to work in the Beaufort community.
“By helping to increase our housing stock, the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund provides opportunities for employees to live and work in our community, which will have positive flow-on effects for our population and economy.”
Hotondo Homes Ararat Manager Russell Pearse said his firm was pleased to partner with Pyrenees Shire.
“Hotondo Homes is looking forward to helping complete the Beaufort Key Worker Accommodation Project, funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund - this will be a fantastic boost for Pyrenees Shire, and we are proud to be associated with its creation,” Mr Pearse said.
GJ Gardner Homes Ballarat Director Nathan Cavanagh said he was excited to be part of such a worthwhile project.
“We’re excited to partner with the Pyrenees Shire and the Victorian Government to deliver new dwellings in Beaufort that will provide much-needed worker accommodation. This collaboration supports local employment and strengthens the region’s capacity to attract and retain essential workers,” Ms Cavanagh said.
Work has started on site with the new homes expected to be complete within 12 months.
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