Council & Politics
18 August, 2025
Government funds worker housing
ARARAT’s worker housing shortage is about to get some welcome relief with the Victorian Government announcing considerable funding to build 25 new homes.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett was in Ararat last Friday to announce two grants to the Elmstone Group and E2E Pty Ltd to construct the new dwellings.
Elmstone group will receive $460,000 towards the construction of ten single bedroom homes, while E2E Pty Ltd will receive $3.1 million to construct 15 homes ranging from three to five bedrooms.
For a number of years, Ararat Rural City Council and local employers have spoken of the dire state of housing availability in Ararat.
Some employers say their ability to fill jobs is often hampered by the chronic lack of accommodation for people willing to relocate to Ararat.
Ms Haylett said the funding from the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will make a significant dent in the lack of worker housing.
“25 new homes is a huge boost for this town, to the local economy and to local employers who have been screaming out for more housing and accommodation for workers for many years now.
“In my time as the Member for Ripon the missing piece in the Ararat community has been housing and now we are finally addressing this issue,” she said.
“I want to thank the CEO Dr Tim Harrison and the council for all of the work they have done to get to this point.
Dr Harrison said he was delighted the funding had been approved, stating it will make a significant difference to Ararat’s housing shortages.
“The round two outcomes are fantastic. We’re seeing over $3.5 million spent here to bring 25 homes to working people of Ararat.
“It’s really important for our local industries. Health, manufacturing, meat processing and other industries will benefit.
“It’s fantastic to see state funding going to stimulate private sector housing in our state because it has flow on effects beyond just the 25 houses being built here, it has knock on effects more broadly because developers have confidence in our community and can see they can work with us which leads to fantastic housing outcomes,” he said.
“To ensure our community continues to thrive well into the future, we need to be able to attract and retain a skilled workforce.”
“By increasing the supply of affordable housing and accommodation options, this will ensure that new workers and their families have a place to call home, as well ensuring that our local employers are able to meet their operational needs,” he said.
E2E spokesman Ashu Goel said his company is heavily invested in new homes for Ararat.
“Dr Tim has the right approach, he rolls out the red carpet not the red tape.
“I remember when we first came to town, he said we are short of 300 houses and I said we promise you, in six years time we will deliver half of them.
“There are some councils which are good and there are some who are outstanding. Ararat has been the best council we have ever worked with,” he said.
The 25 new homes will be underway within a couple of months with all homes to be completed by the end of 2026.
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