In a bid to attract and retain skilled tradespeople in Australia’s vast outback, the Barcoo Shire Council in Queensland has implemented an innovative accommodation solution: triple-trailer road train ‘dongas’ on wheels. This mobile, off-the-grid living setup is designed to provide comfortable, modern amenities for workers undertaking crucial infrastructure projects in remote areas, addressing the long-standing challenge of keeping a skilled workforce in the bush.

Innovative Accommodation for Outback Trades

The traditional image of remote work often conjures up images of basic swags or rudimentary camps. However, the Barcoo Shire Council has significantly upgraded this experience with its fleet of mobile accommodation units. These are not just basic shelters; they are self-contained living quarters designed to offer a high degree of comfort and convenience, even hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town.

Dolly Thompson, a seasoned road worker with the Barcoo Shire, has spent considerable time living and working in some of Queensland’s most isolated regions. She notes the stark contrast between past living conditions and the current setup. “I’m used to that kind of life, it doesn’t worry me,” Ms. Thompson stated. “You’re better off being out in the camp than what you are in town.” Her sentiment highlights a common perspective among remote workers who often find camaraderie and a sense of purpose in their work camps.

The council’s initiative aims to combat the competitive pressures from industries like mining, which often offer lucrative packages to skilled workers. By providing superior living conditions, the Barcoo Shire hopes to make remote infrastructure roles more appealing and sustainable for its workforce.

From Rough Camps to Modern Dongas

Jason Beilby, construction supervisor for the Barcoo Shire Council, has witnessed the evolution of worker accommodation over his two decades in the industry. He recalls a time when camps were far more basic. “Ten years ago we were very rough camps,” Mr. Beilby said. “We were living in the bush… and we found that to employ people we just had to upgrade, and that’s fair enough.”

The current mobile dongas are a testament to this necessary upgrade. Each unit is equipped with:

• Private bedrooms
• Ensuite bathrooms
• Fully functional kitchens
• Communal dining areas
• Laundry facilities
• Access to streaming services via personal and shared televisions

“They’ve got every little mod con that you can find,” Mr. Beilby remarked, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the amenities. These modern conveniences are not just about comfort; they are a strategic tool for recruitment and retention.

Boosting Recruitment and Retention

The improved living conditions have demonstrably helped in attracting new workers and keeping existing staff engaged for longer periods. “We’ve got to employ people so we’ve got to give them good, comfortable accommodation,” Mr. Beilby explained. “Twelve hours out in the sun [and] you do want to come home to comfort, and that’s a good sales point for employees to get them to come here and work.” This focus on employee well-being is crucial for maintaining a stable workforce in challenging environments.

Mobility and Self-Sufficiency

A key advantage of the road train accommodation is its inherent mobility. The entire camp can be quickly dismantled and relocated to new project sites. “We back the trucks underneath, they’re all on cables. They just lift all the verandahs up, and we move. It’s very simple,” Mr. Beilby described the efficient process.

This mobility is particularly valuable given the vast distances involved in remote work. In some locations, workers can be 300 to 400 kilometers from the nearest town, making self-sufficiency a necessity. The mobile dongas are designed to be largely self-contained, reducing reliance on external services.

Mr. Beilby also noted that the scale of the Barcoo Shire, which is comparable in size to Tasmania, necessitates such adaptable solutions. He suggested that other shires facing similar challenges should consider upgrading their accommodation, depending on their specific operational structures.

Community-Driven Innovation

Securing a consistent workforce in remote areas presents unique difficulties due to geographical isolation. Jill Karena, head of grants at the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), commented on the ingenuity often found in these communities. “Remote communities are not short of imagination and innovation,” Ms. Karena said. “The distances are greater, the costs are higher, skilled workers can be much harder to access and keep, and the services often travel in-and-out.”

Ms. Karena added that while local ideas are often the most effective, external funding and support can be instrumental in bringing these innovations to fruition. The Barcoo Shire Council’s mobile accommodation initiative, which began in 2022, is a prime example of such successful, community-driven problem-solving.

Proven Success in Staff Retention

The impact of the mobile accommodation on staff retention has been significant. According to a spokesperson for the Barcoo Shire Council, all roadside workers housed in the main camp have remained with the council for over five years. Some, like Dolly Thompson, have been with the organization for more than a decade.

Ms. Thompson attributes her long tenure not only to the improved living conditions but also to the strong sense of community and positive work culture. “When I first come out I came out with my husband and learnt how to drive machinery and that,” she shared, reflecting on her early days. “They’re fun to be with. They all help out,” she added, underscoring the supportive environment that encourages long-term commitment from its remote workforce.

The Barcoo Shire’s innovative approach to worker accommodation demonstrates a successful strategy for overcoming the challenges of remote employment, ensuring that essential infrastructure projects can continue to be staffed by skilled and dedicated professionals.