The former Kalbar aged care hostel has been repurposed as farm worker accommodation on a temporary basis since late last year.

And now the operators are hoping to make the short-term accommodation venue a permanent part of the Kalbar residential landscape.

In documents lodged with the Scenic Rim Regional Council this month, the applicant is proposing a rezoning of the Pennell Street property to allow the building to be permanently used for ‘Rooming Accommodation’.

Applicants, the Boonah Accommodation Unit Trust, noted it had successfully sought an agreement from Council to operate the building owned by the Churches of Christ as short-term accommodation since November 4, last year.

The approval was given an end date of April 30 this year, which was “to allow the use to operate temporarily” while a development permit was pursued. 

A town planning report commissioned by the operators, outlines plans to accommodate up to 22 people in the 11 ensuited bedrooms and to share the communal kitchen, lounge, laundry and additional bathroom facilities.

Intended residents will be “the seasonal workforce supporting local agricul