The QLD Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce it’s support the Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Key Workforce Accommodation Project, addressing one of the most pressing challenges for businesses in the Mackay region—access to housing for key workers.
Running from September 2024 to August 2025, this initiative is set to create a coordinated and practical solution to the workforce accommodation shortage. By addressing this issue, the project aims to unlock economic growth potential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
The 2023 Regional Housing Summit in Mackay highlighted workforce housing as the top regional priority. With unemployment rates low, businesses must attract talent from outside the area to meet their growth goals. However, the lack of suitable housing is creating significant barriers.
Local businesses have been vocal about the challenges. Max Lamb Jr of M&P Service noted, “We could grow our business by 18% if we could house an additional 8–10 staff.” Similarly, Derek Ellis from BTP Group said, “We want to grow our Mackay operation by 50% in the next 12–18 months, but we need housing to attract the extra staff.” Robert Carey of ESS Engineering highlighted the broader economic implications, saying, “Recruiting eight trades from outside the region could result in $200k–$500k worth of business.” These examples underline a clear message: without workforce housing, business growth and economic development in Mackay are severely limited.
The Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance Committee, the driving force behind this initiative, is working to secure private and government investment by demonstrating housing demand and business potential. A key deliverable is an Investment Prospectus, which will provide data-driven workforce housing demand analysis, a narrative showcasing regional growth opportunities, and details on regional incentives available through local councils. This Prospectus is designed to build investor confidence and stimulate development in the housing sector.
This project directly aligns with the LBF’s mission of promoting industry growth and economic development. By ensuring suitable accommodation for key workers, the initiative helps businesses attract and retain staff, improve productivity, and foster regional economic stability.
The solution is not just about addressing a local issue. It’s a model that could be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges, amplifying its impact. Through collaborative efforts, this project aims to turn a critical challenge into an opportunity for growth and resilience across the Mackay region.