Regulation change to fast-track temporary accommodation for regional workers
Published Thursday, 16 February 2023
Accommodation for seasonal workers and workers involved in the provision of essential infrastructure projects (as defined under section 3 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016) may be fast-tracked in 11 regional South Australian sites following changes to planning regulations published in the Government Gazette on Wednesday, 15 February 2023.
The regulations remove the requirement to obtain planning consent in specified locations (building consent and final development approval must still be obtained), thereby allowing temporary accommodation to be established much more quickly.
The new amendment will be applied in key locations across regional SA where major infrastructure projects are being undertaken. It may also be applied to areas impacted by natural disasters – such as the recent flooding in the Riverland – where there is a need to quickly accommodate tradespeople assisting communities to rebuild.
This amendment ensures that accommodation for temporary workers can be constructed quickly and easily as needed – and in a way which won’t impact or put needless housing pressure on our regional towns and communities.
It expands on the original amendment approved last year which enables accommodation for seasonal workers to be fast-tracked in designated areas.
The locations will be considered and determined by the Minister for Planning on a case-by-case basis and listed on the PlanSA portal once confirmed.
Sites at the following locations have been confirmed so far:
- Rudall
- Pinnaroo
- Witera
- Port Giles
- Kimba
- Wolseley
- Bowmans
- Snowtown
- Darke Peake
- Burra – Hall Terrace
- Burra – Pistol Club Road
Should other industries or sectors require workers’ accommodation to be established quickly, they may write to the Minister for Planning requesting further kinds of work and/or sites be designated.
