Wudinna firm passes up work as housing shortage makes hiring hard
Of regional South Australian businesses surveyed, 53.4% name housing a top-five challenge, up from 48%.
More than half of regional South Australian businesses surveyed now name housing as a top-five challenge. The share naming housing is up from 48% in 2024, according to the South Australian Business Chamber's 2026 Regional Voice report.
Some businesses are turning down work because they cannot find enough employees, says chamber CEO Andrew Kay. The shortage hits industries from construction and agriculture to veterinary services, says Andrew Kay.
Wudinna earthmoving firm Fineys Contracting has passed up work because of staff shortages. Kate Pierotti of Fineys Contracting says a lack of short-term rentals makes it hard for workers to try a town first.
Andrew Kay wants South Australia to consider regional payroll tax breaks, like Victoria and Queensland have. Andrew Kay also suggested more incentives for apprenticeships and traineeships.
- 53.4%, up from 48% in 2024
- Regional businesses citing housing
- 2026 Regional Voice report
- SA Business Chamber survey
- Wudinna
- Fineys Contracting location
Why it mattersRegional towns can miss out on growth and investment when firms cannot find workers or take on new work.
AustraliaFor people moving to regional South Australia for work, finding a home is now a major hurdle.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
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