Labor is helping more people live closer to where they work, with new accommodation on the way in the Bellarine.
Minister Settle joined Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant in St Leonards where construction will start soon for up to 10 Sea Bounty workers, supported by the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
We’re making it easier for Sea Bounty to attract staff as the business grows its mussel and oyster farming.
This means more local jobs and a stronger industry.
The new shared living facility will feature 10 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a shared kitchen and garden areas, providing affordable accommodation close to work in a traditionally competitive local rental market.
Construction is expected to kick off with preliminary works at the end of July, followed by the main construction in the coming months, subject to the appointment of a contractor.
The Bellarine Peninsula is a key location for mussel farming in Australia.
The Victorian mussel industry produced 1,700 tonnes of Australian Blue Mussels in 2023-24.
Sea Bounty farms and processes 1,000 tonnes of mussels each year that are supplied to supermarkets, seafood retailers and wholesalers across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Sea Bounty is also growing oysters and offering mussel farm boat tours from Portarlington, giving visitors a unique experience and bringing more tourists to the region.
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is unlocking around $370 million in new housing investment for thousands of regional workers.
Regional Victorians deserve access to the facilities and infrastructure they need to live, work and study in their communities, which is why we’ve invested more than $50 billion across regional Victoria over the past decade.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle
“We’re backing the workers who power regional industries, helping businesses like Sea Bounty grow and creating a stronger future for Bellarine.”
“When regional businesses grow, we need to make sure workers can grow with them – that’s how we build stronger communities and a stronger Bellarine.”
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“The Bellarine is a great place to live and work, and we’re ensuring industries have the support they need to thrive.”
“I am proud to be a part of a government that backs regional workers and local businesses by delivering the support they need to grow, create jobs and build stronger communities.”
As stated by Sea Bounty Director Lance Wiffen
“We thank the Victorian Government in supporting Sea Bounty to deliver affordable accommodation for our workforce which is essential to business operations and growth.”
