Caravanners and travellers seeking work in the Margaret River Region will soon have a dedicated place to stay at the beautiful Southern Stars Holiday Park in Dunsborough.
The affordable traveller-friendly accommodation will help support local businesses reliant on seasonal season with work already underway at the Southern Stars Holiday Park ahead of the 2023-24 peak tourism season.
The South West Development Commission (SWDC), Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA), Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA), Shire of Augusta Margaret River, and City of Busselton (CoB) joined forces to tackle accommodation shortfalls while tapping into our nation’s mobile workforce.
Ensuring seasonal workers can stay in the region during peak periods is critical to the operation and growth of local businesses and industry that require temporary workers.
Room to accommodate up to 50 workers
SWDC is providing a $50,000 grant to Southern Stars Holiday Park towards development of powered sites suitable for tents, vans and campers. Construction is underway on the project which is expected to accommodate up to 50 workers once complete.
Items funded include the initial groundworks, street lighting, and installation of ablutions and kitchen room. The site will be fenced separately from the park’s main visitor area and amenities.
Improved tourism experiences
MRBTA Chief Executive Officer Sharna Kearney said the outcome recognised the importance of seasonal workers to the tourism and wine industries.
“This is a longstanding and complex issue for our region, and it is pleasing that industry and government are coming together to progress both short- and long-term solutions for these important industries, and our community more broadly,” Ms Kearney said.
MRWA Chief Executive Officer Amanda Whiteland said securing accommodation for seasonal workers was critical for the region to maintain its high-quality reputation.
“By increasing the supply of seasonal workers, wine and tourism businesses will be better placed to maintain and grow the quality of the operation, which is critical to the reputation of the region and our long-term success,” Ms Whiteland said.
Southern Stars Holiday Park owner Todd Davidson said he was pleased to invest in the project and support the wine and tourism industries through the provision of accommodation for seasonal workers.
“We know first-hand the impact staff shortages are having on businesses across our region, which is why we were willing to invest alongside SWDC, to bring this project to fruition,” Mr Davidson said.
“I would especially like to acknowledge our team, and all the local trades and suppliers, that have worked tirelessly over the past six weeks to ensure that we are able to deliver these new sites with the intention of welcoming up to 50 additional workers.”