Growers usually choose between renting houses in town, caravans or cabins, converting existing farm buildings, or installing purpose-built accommodation on the farm. Purpose-built modular rooms with shared kitchens and ablutions give the most control over standards, cost and availability when the season starts. Whichever option you pick, on-farm accommodation for workers needs planning and building approval like any other building.
This page is for growers, labour hire operators and regional councils dealing with harvest workforces in places such as the Riverina, Sunraysia, the Goulburn Valley, the Lockyer Valley and the south west of WA. The problem is simple: workers arrive for a few months, town rentals are full, and poor housing costs you workers and reputation.
The main options compared
- Town rentals. No approvals for you, but supply is short in harvest towns and you compete with locals.
- Caravans and cabins in a park. Quick, but you depend on the park having room at peak season.
- Converted sheds or old homesteads. Cheap to start, but a change of use usually needs approval and fire, ventilation and amenity upgrades.
- Purpose-built modular rooms on the farm. Planned once, used every season, and able to be relocated if the farm changes.
Why modular fits seasonal work
Farm sites are often a long way from trades. Modules made in the factory arrive with rooms, wet areas and wiring finished, so the on-farm work is footings, water, power and waste. The same layout can be repeated across several farms. Our guide to modular, portable and transportable buildings explains the difference between relocatable and permanent set-ups.
What EcoPrestige supplies
- Bedroom modules for two to four workers, typically Class 1b or 3, confirmed by your building surveyor.
- Shared kitchen, dining and laundry modules.
- Ablution modules sized to your headcount.
- Covered decks and walkways joining the modules.
The supply price is quoted for your site. We supply to your builder, who carries the head contract and the site works.
What does not fit
If you only need beds for a few weeks in one year, hire or a caravan park is likely the better choice. Flood-prone sites may need raised footings and a planning check before anything is ordered. Sites without a reliable water supply or waste solution need that solved first.
The approval path
Most councils treat worker accommodation as a land use that needs a planning permit or development approval, and a building permit or approval is always needed. EcoPrestige coordinates the module design with your consultants; permit drawings are issued by the registered or licensed practitioner the state requires. In Queensland, permit drawings are issued under a QBCC licensed building designer. In Tasmania, permit drawings are issued by a licensed Tasmanian building designer. A building surveyor or certifier certifies. Confirm with your building surveyor or certifier.
Our notes for regional councils cover how councils tend to look at these proposals.
The programme
Lodge the planning application early, ideally in the off-season. While it is assessed, the modules can be finalised and made in the factory, and the builder can prepare footings and services on the farm. Modules are then installed and connected in a short window before pickers arrive.
Related reading
If your workforce is mixed with other regional workers, see our page on regional key worker housing. For tourist-style cabins that can also take seasonal workers, see holiday park cabins.
What to send us
- 1. Farm address and an aerial view of the proposed area.
- 2. Peak worker numbers and season length.
- 3. Whether you want shared or private bathrooms.
- 4. Water, power and waste arrangements on the property.
- 5. Any council advice you have already received.
Seasonal worker accommodation: FAQ
Do I need a permit to house workers on my farm?
Usually yes. Most councils require planning approval for worker accommodation, and a building permit or approval is always needed.
Can I convert a shed for workers?
Sometimes, but it is a change of use. Expect upgrades to fire safety, ventilation, wet areas and egress before it can be approved.
What NCC class is farm worker accommodation?
Workforce accommodation is typically Class 1b or 3, confirmed by your building surveyor.
Can modular rooms be moved later?
Yes, if the footings and approvals are set up for a relocatable building from the start.
Housing a seasonal workforce on your property?
Send the site, the use and any drawings to prebuilt@ecoprestige.com.au or download our technical brochures.