Muswellbrook Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest from developers, investors, accommodation providers, operators and workforce accommodation specialists interested in providing temporary workforce accommodation in the Muswellbrook Shire.
The non-binding market sounding exercise will help Council understand market interest, capacity and potential approaches ahead of anticipated demand for temporary workforce accommodation associated with major projects across the region. It follows Council’s adoption of its Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy in September 2025, which sets out expectations for how such accommodation should be located, designed and managed across the Shire.
Council’s position is that temporary workforce accommodation should be located within or near existing towns and villages, allowing workers to integrate into the community rather than being isolated from it, and giving them better access to local businesses and services.
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,” he said.
“We want workers coming to the Shire to become part of our community. We want them buying from local businesses, using local services and facilities, and joining our sporting and recreation groups.”
The expressions of interest process closes at 5pm on Friday, September 18.
