Wind farm construction chews up west Vic rentals, but can it also help plug gaps in housing?

While renewable energy projects can add pressure to already-stretched regional housing markets, the Dundonnell Wind Farm near Mortlake shows how developers can also help ease that strain, according to a new report.

In this case, by supporting crisis accommodation for women and children escaping family violence.

The report was released on Monday by RE-Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for regional communities during the transition to renewable energy. 

🏠 Strain on regional towns: Across Australia, construction surges have pushed up rents, filled tourist accommodation for years at a time and strained local health and community services.

When Dundonnell was being built in 2019, around 200 staff were on site at peak construction, all requiring short-term accommodation. 

❓ What did it find? The report identifies five key barriers regional communities face as renewable energy zones expand: a shortage of trades and builders, high infrastructure and servicing costs, low investor confidence in rural housing, limited local government capacity and community concerns about the social impacts of temporary workforces. 

Without early planning, RE-Alliance warns, renewable energy projects risk worsening existing housing challenges.

Dundonnell was highlighted as a positive case study showing how early engagement can influence better outcomes, after donating $500,000 from its community benefit fund towards a housing development prioritising emergency beds for women and children escaping domestic violence.

🗣️ Community consultation: A community benefit fund is a pool of money set aside by a renewable energy company to support locally chosen projects and services, based on needs identified through community consultation, in exchange for establishing infrastructure in the local community.

“Tilt Renewables undertook extensive consultation to develop its Community Benefit Plan, speaking with local non-governmental organisations, community groups, councils and residents through surveys and meetings,” the company told the Brolga.

“Throughout this process, crisis housing providers and family violence services consistently raised the lack of safe accommodation for women and children escaping harm.”

🔨 On the job: In response, Tilt engaged multiple stakeholders to determine the most effective way to address the need. 

Local not-for-profit organisation Women’s Housing Limited was ultimately identified as the best-placed partner to deliver additional crisis housing. The state government was also involved in supporting the project through the Victorian Renewable Energy Target auction.

Tilt contributed $500,000 towards a new 24-unit development in Melbourne, securing 10 housing units specifically for women and children from south west Victoria. 

It is located outside of the region, to allow for women and children leaving violent situations to access the accommodation discreetly.

🥧 Slice of the pie: The $500,000 contribution to the housing development forms part of Tilt’s  broader community benefit program, which has delivered more than $2 million to local organisations.