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 proposal 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 plan to expand 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 will be carried out by contractors from the Central Highlands region ideally or otherwise from Central Queensland where possible. Upon completion, an additional 40 local jobs will be created to run the village, supplementing the existing 55 positions already in place, supporting the existing village.
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 of which you can download a copy under the Project Resources and Updates section below.
The expansion proposal has now been lodged with Council as a development application under the Blackwater Development Scheme 2011 and will be assessed by the Central Highlands Regional Council. This application will include a 30-business day public notification period.
Upcoming Community Sessions
Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their insights during our community sessions held on the 18th and 19th November 2024.
We plan to host an additional session during the 30-business day formal public notification period after submitting our application to the Central Highlands Regional Council. Whilst this session is not legally required, we believe it’s important to offer further opportunity for the community to learn more and share thought. While the dates are yet to be confirmed, we’ll keep the community updated and share further details on our website.
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.