Seasonal Worker Accommodation

If your property or business has seasonal worker accommodation there are certain permits and registrations you will require.

Council is committed to supporting our agricultural businesses to attract the staff they need. One of the ways to do this, is by developing a reputation as a great place to work. Providing safe, quality accommodation for seasonal workers, which meets industry standards, is an important step towards that.

The safety and wellbeing of employees is paramount.  Strict codes of practice apply to all accommodation providers to ensure the health and safety of guests, and all legitimate providers must adhere to health and safety, hygiene, building and planning regulations under Victorian and local laws.

This fact sheet covers basic requirements for seasonal worker accommodation. Whether that accommodation is on-site or at another location, these permits and registrations are applicable. Every property will have its own specific requirements. Council is here to help you navigate through this process.

Download the Seasonal Worker Accommodation Fact Sheet(PDF, 508KB)

There are three separate permissions that need to be obtained:

A Planning Permit refers to the use of the land or the development of a piece of land for a particular purpose. Planning Schemes contain both policies and planning controls. Council is mandated by law to adhere to the Planning Scheme framework.

A Building Permit relates to an actual construction of a building or development. Building permits can be issued by Council or by an independent Building Surveyor to ensure buildings are constructed to comply with the Building Code of Australia.

Health Registration: You will need to register any accommodation you provide to workers with Council’s Public and Environmental Health Department.

The building must also have Essential Safety Measures.

Yarra Ranges Council can help you navigate the permits your business will need.  Get in contact with the Economic Development Team on 1300 368 333 or via business@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Other departments and organisations available to assist:

PALM Scheme

Agriculture Victoria

Agribusiness Yarra Valley

WorkSafe Victoria

Wine Yarra Valley

Labour Hire Authority