Muswellbrook Council seeks providers for temporary workforce accommodation across Shire

Newy 87.8 FM – Muswellbrook Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest from developers, investors, accommodation providers, operators, tourism operators and workforce accommodation specialists to provide temporary workforce accommodation (TWA) in the Shire.

The non-binding market sounding exercise will help Council understand the market's interest, capacity and potential approaches ahead of anticipated demand associated with major projects across the region.

The EOI follows Council's adoption of its Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy in September 2025, which outlines how TWA should be located, designed and managed across the Shire.

Council says TWA should be located within or near existing towns and villages, allowing workers to integrate into the community rather than being isolated from it. The Policy also encourages accommodation and infrastructure that can be shared, reused or repurposed between projects, with a planned pathway to become permanent housing, visitor accommodation or another employment-generating use where appropriate.

Mayor Jeff Drayton said Council wanted the arrival of temporary workers to strengthen the community rather than place unnecessary pressure on it.

"Muswellbrook Shire Council supports TWA that leaves the Shire better off, not accommodation that isolates workers on the edge of town and packs up without a trace," Mayor Drayton said.

The Policy supports "dry mess" dining facilities to promote worker safety and encourage the use of local hospitality venues, while "wet mess" facilities are not accepted by Council.

Applications do not constitute development approval, and any future proposal will remain subject to relevant planning and assessment processes. Further information will be available on Council's website.

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