Shire declares accommodation crisis in Lorne

THE Surf Coast Shire council has declared a key worker accommodation crisis in Lorne as the coastal town continues to struggle following COVID-19 lockdowns.

The motion was moved at last night’s meeting by Cr Gary Allen, who estimated there would be a shortage of 100 hospitality employers in Lorne by the start of July due to a lack of affordable accommodation.

Earlier this month, the Coalition Government announced the 408 COVID-19 visa would be extended to the hospitality and tourism sector to allow more flexible working conditions as well as removing working caps placed on international students.

Despite the news, Cr Allen said the absence of international employers – who made up 95 per cent of the seasonal workers in the previous summer – along with a lack of affordable housing would continue to negatively affect the town.

Cr Allen is calling on the state government to work with the shire to develop a pilot project in response to the crisis, with hopes of expanding the initiative across Victoria’s tourist towns.

Lorne Business and Tourist Association president Paul Upham said the cascading effect on housing stock was disrupting business in Lorne.

“Currently, the lack of staff makes it very difficult to manage businesses without closing on multiple days each week or limiting the number of patrons that can be served,” he said.

“For example, Mantra is limiting its capacity to 80 per cent as it cannot find enough housekeeping staff to manage the demand.

“One of the town’s most prominent restaurants can only accept 50 of a potential 80 patrons per sitting, as they cannot find or house staff.

“This is mid-May – it only represents a small portion of the requirements of workers for summer.”

Love Lorne has predicted the shortage of staff would triple to 300 during this summer, with tourism anticipated to boom as international borders remain shut.

Committee for Lorne president Ian Stewart said the worker shortage was not limited to the private sector.

“The Lorne Community Hospital needs an additional five nursing and five GP staff to cope with the summer demand. They have difficulties accommodating permanent staff.

“Likewise, 84 per cent of the staff at the Lorne P-12 College must travel from other townships.”

Mr Stewart said working with the state government on a pilot program would be vital for not only Lorne but other tourist towns.

“The issues facing Lorne are not unique.

“If we do not act now, this issue will continue to grow, taking an enormous toll on Victorian tourist communities.

“We want to help create solutions, starting with Lorne.”