Arabic version: تواجه منطقة ريفينا الغربية نقصًا حادًا في الإسكان للعمال الجدد

A housing shortage in western Riverina is putting pressure on businesses as workers move to the region. Slow housing development, high costs, and a growing population have all contributed to the crisis. Large manufacturing companies, including De Bortoli Wines, are now providing accommodation for their staff to address the issue. According to ABC News, the region’s population is expected to grow from approximately 28,000 to more than 31,000 in the next two decades.

Darren De Bortoli, managing director of De Bortoli Wines, highlighted the challenges faced in securing housing for permanent skilled workers. With 250 employees at the winery, the shortage has forced the company to convert two farmhouses into temporary housing for incoming workers. De Bortoli noted the importance of retaining these workers, as housing unavailability shouldn’t dictate their decision to stay in the area.

The housing market in Griffith has not kept pace with the population growth. Local real estate expert Frank Franco reported that the number of available rentals is limited, with only a small number of properties on the market at any given time. Rental prices have surged, with three-bedroom homes averaging between $480 and $500 per week, a significant increase from around $380 in 2020.

Griffith City Council has identified key areas for housing development, including Hanwood, Yenda, and Yoogali, but progress has been slow. Mayor Doug Curran expressed frustration with the bureaucratic processes involved in housing development, stating that there is enough zoned land for approximately 43 years of housing at the current rate. Meanwhile, the Department of Planning has indicated that reforms are underway to streamline the approvals process, but many in the area continue to face housing challenges.