EXPANSION
Expanding The Village On Blain for Blackwater’s Workforce
As Blackwater experiences rapid growth across key sectors – particularly mining, resources and agriculture – local accommodation options are under significant strain. The Village On Blain is responding to this demand with an exciting $40M expansion project, now approved and underway, to provide additional high-quality, purpose-built accommodations in the heart of Blackwater.
The Central Highlands Development Corporation’s Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy highlights a critical need for fit-for-purpose housing to support the town’s growing workforce. Increased workforce rosters and industry demands are intensifying the pressure on private rentals and short-term accommodations, signalling an urgent need for dedicated workforce lodging that meets the standards of comfort and accessibility.
The Village On Blain Expansion Plan
With the support of our development partner, Pantex Pty Ltd, we are expanding The Village On Blain by adding 450 rooms, constructed in three stages on adjacent land. This phased expansion will help to:
- relieve the strain on Blackwater’s private rental market,
- reduce the town’s reliance on hotels and motels, and
- provide essential, high-quality accommodations for workers close to local amenities and services.
“The Village On Blain accommodation is already known for its purpose-built design and exceptional facilities, offering a true ‘home away from home’ for workers,” said Karl Schirmer, Managing Director of Pantex Pty Ltd. “This expansion is a direct response to demand; with current accommodation at capacity and new contracts that will keep The Village On Blain fully occupied for at least the next four years. We’re committed to meeting these workforce needs while actively supporting the local community.”
Supporting Blackwater's Local Economy
Our commitment to Blackwater’s development goes beyond lodging – our project is designed to generate opportunities for local employment and economic growth, reinforcing our ties to the community.
The site expansion activities are being delivered by contractors from within the Central Highlands region wherever possible, or otherwise from across Central Queensland. Upon completion, an additional 40 local jobs will be created to run the village, supplementing the existing 55 positions already in place.
If you are interested in employment opportunities or would like to offer your trade, services or products as part of this project, we encourage you to register your interest below. Your expertise and support are invaluable to making this expansion a success for our community.
Community Engagement & Development Application
The Village on Blain undertook a range of communications and engagement sessions prior to formally lodging the application with Central Highlands Regional Council. These actions and the feedback are documented in the Pre-lodgement Communications and Engagement Summary, which you can download under the Project Resources and Updates section below.
The expansion proposal was lodged with Council as a development application under the Blackwater Development Scheme 2011 and has now been approved by the Central Highlands Regional Council.
We are grateful for the input of our consultants, community members, and local stakeholders throughout the process. Site works have commenced, with the first accommodation buildings expected for delivery in late November. Stage 11 is anticipated to be ready for occupation around April 2026, helping to ease pressure on the local rental market and provide greater housing flexibility for Blackwater’s workforce and visitors.
Public Notification Period & Community Sessions
The public notification period for our development application has now closed. It was open from Monday, 31st March to Monday, 5th May 2025.
We’d like to sincerely thank all community members who engaged with us during this time—whether by providing feedback or attending our community information sessions on 18th and 19th November 2024, or our Open Day on 28th April 2025. We valued the opportunity to share more about the project and hear your thoughts.
Your feedback helped shape the final design and planning outcome that has now received Council approval.
Project Resources and Updates
To keep you fully informed about the progress of our project, we have included a range of documents available for review. These resources are designed to provide clear insights into various aspects of the development. We are committed to transparency, so please check back regularly, as we’ll be updating this page with the latest information and materials throughout the project timeline.
New Update:
- Development Approval Granted – October 2025. The Village on Blain expansion has now received development approval from the Central Highlands Regional Council. Site works are underway, and Stage 11 is expected to be ready for occupation in April 2026
