How worker housing woes can be a win for energy zones

Towns battling housing shortages fear locals being shut out as hundreds of temporary workers flock to their regions to build crucial renewable-energy projects.

But not-for-profit organisation Re-Alliance, which advocates for a responsible shift to renewables that benefits regions, says the clean energy transition needn't be a burden and can help ease long-term housing pain points in host communities.

National director Andrew Bray said energy developers budgeted millions to house workers over the duration of a project.

"That's money they're going to be spending anyway," he told AAP.

"And with early planning, working with councils, listening to the community concerns, they can spend that money in a way that's going to leave behind some kind of legacy."

The organisation has found several examples of workforce housing schemes that benefit locals.

Worker camp dwellings can be designed with floor plans suitable for single occupants but with the scope to be expanded into homes down the track.

Temporary worker units can also be set up so that roads, water pipes and other infrastructure can eventually be added to accommodate permanent homes.

Refurbishing out-of-use buildings can also house workers temporarily without adding to local housing woes, as Squadron Energy is doing with a nursing home in central NSW's Wellington.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive officer Chris Sounness said renewable energy firms were ideal partners for an innovative housing model operating in the region.

Set up to finance housing development for the critically under-supplied towns dotting the landscape, the model keeps decision-making in community hands while welcoming investment from employers, government and other partners.

With the region expected to host large numbers of temporary workers in the coming years, Mr Sounness said the housing vehicles were a good way for developers to leave a lasting legacy in towns like Murtoa, in the Victorian region.

"Unless housing is built, our region is going to be under enormous pressure," he said.

In pursuit of national climate goals, Australia is rolling out clean energy generation and transmission at scale, an endeavour that has some host communities asking questions and worried benefits are not being shared fairly.

The Climate Change Authority has identified community opposition as a leading cause of energy project delays and cancellations and has recommended a national program for benefit-sharing and engagement to lift standards.

Housing is among the top concerns voiced by communities responding to renewables announcements, Mr Bray noted.

As well as putting pressure on rental markets if workers occupy existing housing, booking out motels and other short-term accommodation can be a concern for tourist hotspots.

Dedicated worker camps avoid putting pressure on local housing stock but can come with their own issues, especially if located away from townships.

Mr Bray said the preference was increasingly to install worker camps within towns and villages to capture more of the economic benefit.

"They're a bit more connected to the community too, they might join a footy club while they're there," he said.