Capacity-first planning
Model worker beds and seasonal demand coverage before committing site rollout spend.
B2B Product PageReviewed March 2, 2026
Farm Worker Housing Planner
Stabilize harvest staffing with planned worker accommodation capacity. Model unit mix, seasonal housing income, and payback while keeping compliance boundaries visible.
Pain the page solves
- Harvest rosters fail when farms secure workers but cannot secure adequate accommodation.
- Seasonal accommodation buildouts are often too slow for near-term harvest windows.
- Compliance uncertainty around accommodation standards and payroll deductions stalls decisions.
Deterministic payback view
Translate weekly housing assumptions into annual net and payback timelines.
Compliance boundary clarity
Separate housing-standard and deduction obligations from marketing assumptions.
Workforce signal snapshot
Public baseline signals reviewed on March 2, 2026. Use these as context for planning, then validate with your local workforce and payroll conditions.
Monthly average workers
118,400
ABARES-referenced 2022/23 horticulture workforce count in minister update.
SourcePeak labour use
130,300
Peak seasonal labour use noted in the same workforce update.
SourceDeduction consent required
Written
Fair Work horticulture guidance requires lawful written agreement conditions for deductions.
SourceWorkforce Capacity Planner
Model worker capacity and payback before season launch
Use this planner to test 4-6 worker-per-unit scenarios, then move to a farm layout consultation with your assumptions documented.
22 weeks
28.0%
Output panel
No scenario yet
Estimated capex for current inputs: $130,500. Run the planner to view capacity and payback.
Assumptions and limitations
- This planner is decision support only and does not guarantee legal, payroll, or approval outcomes.
- Accommodation deductions and worker terms must follow lawful written-agreement and award conditions where applicable.
- Local accommodation standards, occupancy, and safety rules vary by jurisdiction and site.
Compliance boundary check
Use this section to frame legal and operational risk. It does not replace professional advice.
- PALM accommodation expectations require fair value, fit-for-purpose standards, and uncrowded sleeping arrangements.
- Accommodation deductions must follow lawful rules and valid written agreement requirements where applicable.
- This page provides planning guidance only; local authority, employment, and visa conditions still need confirmation.
Reference set
Sources reviewed on March 2, 2026. Interpret as directional context, then validate against current site and jurisdiction rules.
Included in baseline scope
- Factory-complete transportable unit baseline with internal fitout
- Pre-wired and pre-plumbed points for local licensed trade final connections
- Commercial planning support for phased worker accommodation rollout
- Assumption-based capacity and payback modelling support
Not included in baseline scope
- Legal or payroll advice on specific deduction structures
- Site-specific approvals, certifier sign-off, and authority determinations
- Local civil works, utility trenching, and infrastructure upgrades
- Recruitment outcomes or guaranteed seasonal worker retention
How this page works
- 1. Set unit count, workers-per-unit, active weeks, and rent assumptions.
- 2. Run the scenario to view worker capacity, annual net, and payback.
- 3. Review boundary warnings and compliance notes before procurement.
- 4. Book a farm layout consultation with your scenario summary and site constraints.
Frequently asked questions
Can this page guarantee legal compliance for payroll deductions?
No. It summarizes planning boundaries. Final deduction setup must follow applicable Fair Work, award, and program requirements.
Does this tool guarantee worker retention outcomes?
No. It estimates housing capacity and financial scenarios only. Retention outcomes depend on wages, conditions, management, and local labour market factors.
Can we run staged deployment across multiple seasons?
Yes. Run multiple scenarios with different active-week and occupancy assumptions to compare phased rollout options.
What should we prepare before a consultation call?
Bring expected crew size, roster timing, site utility constraints, and current accommodation setup so assumptions can be stress-tested quickly.
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Cost Calculator
Cross-check broader project cost buckets before rollout.
Need your crew housing plan locked before harvest?
Share worker targets, season length, and site limits. We will map a practical staged rollout with clear assumptions.