West Wimmera Shire Key Worker Accommodation Project

• Project typeConstruction
• Project value$5.1 million

Background Information 

West Wimmera Shire Council is addressing the region’s critical housing shortage through the West Wimmera Key Worker Accommodation Project. This initiative will provide high-quality, affordable housing to attract and retain key workers, ensuring the continued delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, and local government operations.

The lack of available rental properties and high development costs have made it difficult to secure accommodation for skilled professionals in West Wimmera. Currently, only five rental properties are listed in the entire shire, with three already allocated to tenants. To combat this challenge, Council has committed $100,000 to the project and contributed over 7 hectares of land for redevelopment.

This project will also enable future housing development by fully servicing additional residential lots, encouraging private investment and long-term community growth.

Proposed Scope

The West Wimmera Key Worker Accommodation Project includes the construction of six contemporary homes across Kaniva and Edenhope, designed to suit individuals, families, and shared living arrangements. The project also includes significant infrastructure upgrades to prepare additional sites for future residential development.

Kaniva (Patterson St / Kelly St & Budjik St)

• 1 x four-bedroom home – 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, a study nook, alfresco area, air conditioning, and a double garage.
• 2 x three-bedroom homes – Versatile design (3 bedrooms or 2 plus study), 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, air conditioning, and a double garage.
• 2 fully serviced residential lots – Ready for future development.
• Detailed design for an additional 42 lots on the disused aerodrome site to ensure a shovel-ready housing expansion.

Edenhope (Langford St, Wannon Ave / Kadnook St)

• 1 x four-bedroom home – 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, a study nook, alfresco area, air conditioning, and a double garage.
• 2 x three-bedroom homes – Similar to Kaniva, with 3 bedrooms (or 2 plus study), 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, and a double garage.
• 2 fully serviced lots – Encouraging future residential growth.
• Water main extension – Supporting an additional 8 blocks for further development.

Future benefits

The West Wimmera Key Worker Accommodation Project will play a vital role in supporting the local workforce by addressing housing shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and local government. By providing high-quality, affordable accommodation, the project will help attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring the continued delivery of essential services across the shire.

In addition to meeting immediate housing needs, the project will encourage private investment by fully servicing additional residential lots, creating opportunities for future development. This will not only increase the region’s housing stock but also support long-term economic growth. Retaining workers within the community will strengthen local businesses, improve service availability, and enhance overall liveability.

With modern, well-designed homes that prioritise comfort, functionality, and sustainability, the project will contribute to a more vibrant and resilient West Wimmera. By investing in housing infrastructure, Council is laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected community that can continue to grow and thrive.