AGL Energy has announced that it will sublease Bogong Village in Northeast Victoria to Grollo Group entity, Worker HQ.
Under the sublease agreement, the Grollo Group will take over the ownership and operation of Bogong Village and redevelop it over the next three years. This will include investing in renovating village facilities including the 27 buildings and tavern, with a view to providing key worker accommodation for Falls Creek. Grollo aims to deliver 200 beds for Falls Creek workers starting in winter 2024.
Bogong Village was built in the 1940s for workers on the Kiewa HydroElectric Scheme. The village is approximately 9ha in size, and comprises 27 houses, recreation facilities, a tavern, and an outdoor school, the Bogong Outdoor School, which is owned and operated by the Victorian Department of Education. The school provides outdoor learning programs for Years P-12 from government schools across Victoria.
AGL acquired the village as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme when it was purchased in 2005, and in 2009 opened the Bogong Power Station next to Bogong Village – adding to the other power stations in the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme – Mackay Creek, Clover, and West Kiewa Power Stations.
AGL will continue to own and operate the Bogong Power Station as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.
AGL Head of Hydro, Simon Kelley, said the sublease to the Grollo Group is a great outcome for the region.
“We are thrilled that the Grollo Group will take over the operation of Bogong Village. Our core business is providing reliable renewable hydroelectricity to the Victorian grid and providing critical flexibility support for the electricity system during peak demand periods.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the local community and tourism in the region with plans to redevelop the village, provide key worker accommodation for Falls Creek, and open the tavern once more for visitors to the area,” Mr Kelley said.
Alpine Resorts Victoria CEO, Amber Gardner, said, “There is a significant need for appropriate key worker accommodation across the alpine region, particularly as the resorts continue to grow and greater numbers of staff are required to deliver a high-quality visitor experience.
“This new acquisition by Grollo represents an exciting step forward in resolving the accommodation challenges at Falls Creek, so we’re looking forward to working with them to realise this important activation.”
Featured image: AGL Bogong-Village
