Muswellbrook Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from developers, investors, accommodation providers, operators, tourism operators and workforce accommodation specialists interested in providing temporary workforce accommodation (TWA) in the Muswellbrook Shire.
The non-binding market sounding exercise will help Council understand the market’s interest, capacity and potential approaches ahead of anticipated demand for temporary workforce accommodation associated with major projects across the region.
The EOI follows Council’s adoption of its Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy in September 2025, which outlines Council’s expectations for how TWA should be located, designed and managed across the Shire.
Council’s position is clear: TWA should be located within or near existing towns and villages, allowing workers to integrate into the community rather than being isolated from it.
Locating accommodation close to established communities would also give workers better access to local businesses and services, retaining more workforce spending within the Shire and allowing supporting infrastructure to deliver longer-term benefits.
The Policy encourages accommodation and infrastructure that can be shared, reused or repurposed between projects. Where appropriate, TWA should also have a planned pathway to become permanent housing, visitor accommodation or another employment-generating use once its initial purpose ends, while supporting infrastructure should be designed to accommodate future growth.
The Policy sets expectations for local procurement, including contractors, labour, materials, kitchen supplies, equipment, food and laundry services. It supports partnerships with local medical centres, recreational providers, and businesses to promote workers’ health and wellbeing while strengthening their connections with the broader community.
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.
“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.
“Some of these workers may even decide to make Muswellbrook Shire their permanent home once their work is finished.
“This EOI gives industry early visibility of what Council expects and gives us a clearer understanding of who is planning ahead. It is an opportunity to get this right before the accommodation is needed.
“Our priority is to ensure TWA benefits our community, supports local businesses and services, and leaves useful infrastructure behind once a project ends.”
The Policy supports “dry mess” dining facilities to promote worker safety and encourage the use of local hospitality venues. “Wet mess” facilities are not accepted by Council.
Businesses and developers with experience in delivering TWA, or planning to do so within the Muswellbrook Shire, are encouraged to register their interest.
The EOI is a preliminary and non-binding market sounding process. Applications do not constitute development approval, endorsement of a proposal or a commitment by Council to enter into a procurement or commercial arrangement. Any future proposal will remain subject to the relevant planning and assessment processes.
The EOI opens on Thursday 3 September 2026 and closes at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2026.
Further information, including Council’s Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy, EOI documents and submission requirements, will be available on Council’s website.
