Employers across the Great Southern urged to have their say on worker accommodation shortages in short survey

Members of the Great Southern’s business community can have their say on the impact of worker accommodation shortages in the region in an online survey, which closes on April 21.

The Great Southern Development Commission is working with the Housing the Workforce Working Group, made up of representatives from each of the region’s 11 local governments, to develop solutions to the widespread issue.

Data gathered through the short 17-question survey, prepared by Keston Economics, will inform the development of a worker accommodation strategy.

The GSDC wants local employers to complete the survey as the first part of the strategy’s development that will help it understand the accommodation shortage from every angle.

GSDC acting chief executive Jarrad Gardner said the commission was acutely aware of the strain businesses faced in attracting and retaining employees.

“Appropriate housing options are undeniably a contributing factor,” he said.

“The study and ensuing strategy will be informed by the local businesses.

“We need to hear what Great Southern employers have to say on the issue so we can plan the way forward.”

Once developed, the GSDC expects the Great Southern Worker Accommodation Strategy to identify solutions and create a multi-year pipeline of worker accommodation projects for the region.

To complete the survey follow the links from the GSDC Facebook page or visit bit.ly/workeraccommodation.