"Desal plant sparks rent rises"

Work on the Wonthaggi desalination plant is due to continue
for the next 18 months. (ABC TV)

A Victorian Liberal MP says landlords are trying to rip-off
workers moving to Wonthaggi to build the desalination plant.

A four-bedroom cement-sheet house in the town has been
advertised for $500 a week.

The member for Bass, Ken Smith, says some tenants in
Wonthaggi have not been able to renew their leases, as
landlords get ready for the influx of desalination workers.

He says some landlords are more than doubling rental prices.

"It is landlords trying to rip-off people who are coming down there.

"Those same houses would have been available
three months ago five months ago six months ago for
probably $185 to $210 a week," Mr Smith said.

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