Empak Homes lands state government housing contract at Mount Gambier

A popular Mount Gambier firm is expected to start work on the project this year in a move the government says will be key to bringing important workers to the region.

A popular Mount Gambier construction company has been tasked with building four new homes in Mount Gambier to accommodate workers as part of the state’s Regional Key Worker Housing scheme.

The State Government announced today that local builders across the state have been appointed to construct new homes in Renmark, Mount Gambier, and Port Augusta with the aim of creating housing opportunities to attract and retain vital workers in country communities.

Thirteen homes will be built as part of project with Mount Gambier set to receive four new houses while Renmark receives five and Port Augusta four.

Local contractors Empak Homes will be in charge of the Mount Gambier constructions which are expected to be two-to-three bedrooms and house police, healthcare workers and teachers.

Empak homes is a proud third generation family owned and operated company who specialise in both residential building and land estate developments, employing a staff of 17 members.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin. Picture: Louise Agnew Photography

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the council was “excited to see that this scheme is going to deliver new homes in Mount Gambier for key workers which will help us to attract and retain workers, while also freeing up homes in the private rental market”.

“We are pleased to see practical outcomes delivered on the ground using the skills and knowledge of a local builder,” Mayor Martin said.

Construction work across the three towns is set to begin in early to mid 2024 and completed in 2025.

The properties will then be leased to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Government Employee Housing (GEH) program, which arranges housing for government agency workers in regional South Australia.

The Office for Regional Housing, established under the Government’s A Better Housing Future initiative, anticipates expanding its focus to more regional areas as more homes are delivered.

The Office for Regional Housing was established as part of the government’s A Better Housing Future initiative, which aims to improve the state’s housing affordability and rental capacity.

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the project aimed to attract key workers to the region and “give them a place to live as they provide vital services”.

“The successful builders bring with them local knowledge of their regions as well as trade bases and are best placed to deliver housing outcomes suited to their communities,” Mr Champion said.

“Providing this new housing not only helps to deliver quality government services in regional South Australia, but it also frees up other housing stock for individuals and private sector businesses to accommodate their growing workforce needs.”

Housing Industry Australia executive director Stephen Knight said “the addition of new homes in South Australia’s regions would help replenish housing stock and draw key workers to the region”.

“It will also provide opportunities for apprentices and trainees, both young men and women who are keen to stay in their hometowns.”

Knight said the appointment of local builders as part of the project “marks a pivotal step in addressing the housing needs of South Australia’s regional areas”.

“By focusing on Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, and Renmark, this initiative not only aims to provide essential housing for key workers but also supports local economies and businesses.”