Seasonal workers thrown a caravan park lifeline

Seasonal workers will be able to stay at an expanded Dunsborough caravan park with room for 50 people to camp on powered sites as part of an initiative revealed by the South West Development Commission this week. The move comes amid efforts to address a major shortage of accommodation for visiting workers in tourism and viticulture, lauded by stakeholders from the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association and Margaret River Wine Association. A section of the Southern Stars Holiday Park was being outfitted for powered camping sites as part of a $50,000 grant to install more lighting, ablutions and a kitchen, with that area to be fenced off from tourists. The project was the first tangible outcome from a study commissioned into the worker accommodation shortage, first reported by the Times in March last year. SWDC chief executive Mellisa Teede declined to provide a copy or outcomes from the pre-feasibility study due to sensitive information. The report had triggered a series of discussions between stakeholders, which included Tourism WA, the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. Ms Teede talked up the Dunsborough solution, which emerged from talks last year about the capacity for Capes caravan parks to house seasonal workers. “Only one proponent was assessed as having the ability to bring a solution to market to meet the immediate needs of the tourism and wine industries,” Ms Teede said. “The steering committee will now be working to determine a process by which other medium- to long-term solutions can be progressed.” MRWA chief executive Amanda Whiteland said it was crucial to house incoming workers. “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,” she said. MRBTA chief executive Sharna Kearney said the new plan showed the importance given to meeting the needs of the affected industries. “This is a longstanding and complex issue for our region,” she said. “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 Teede acknowledged accommodation shortfalls were greater than 50 places and SWDC was working with local government and industry on housing supply. The Dunsborough sites were expected to be ready next month. Proof of valid employment was required for the berths expected to cost $30 per night.