EOI – Temporary Workers Accomodation
EOI Document: Available Here
Closes: 2pm September 18th
Enquiries and Submissions: invest@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
Over the next few years Muswellbrook Shire will be home to major construction, resource and infrastructure projects that will sometimes need to house a temporary workforce. Council’s Temporary Workforce Accommodation (TWA) Policy sets out how we expect this accommodation to be planned, located and run.
Our approach
Council supports TWA that:
- Is located within or near existing towns and villages, not isolated sites
- Helps workers connect with the local community, rather than keeping them separate from it
- Uses local suppliers, tradespeople and services wherever possible
- Can convert to permanent housing or visitor accommodation once its original purpose ends, where that’s feasible
- Does not include ‘wet mess’ (on-site licensed bar) facilities
This approach is set out in full in our Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy (MSC082E), adopted by Council in September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
TopTWA is accommodation set up to temporarily house workers involved in construction, resource or other projects, as defined in the NSW Guidelines for Construction Workers Accommodation (DPHI, 2025). It typically supports projects with a large but time-limited workforce.
The Policy sets out Council’s expectations for any TWA proposed in the Shire. It’s designed to make sure TWA delivers lasting benefit locally, fits in with existing communities, and doesn’t leave Council carrying long-term infrastructure costs or risks.
No. The Policy sets Council’s expectations, but every TWA proposal still needs to go through the relevant planning approval process.
‘Wet mess’ facilities are on-site licensed bars. Council doesn’t support them because they can increase safety and behavioural risks, and reduce the chance that workers use local pubs, clubs and cafes instead. ‘Dry mess’ facilities, which encourage workers into town, are supported.
