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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Builders call for Government plan to 'Build the Dream' (WA)

Media release

Builders call for Government plan to 'Build the Dream' (WA)

Media release
Consistent with today’s launch of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) report ‘Building the Dream: The Future of Western Australia’s Construction Industry’, Housing Industry Association (HIA) calls on Government for a focus on key initiatives that will develop a strong and sustainable industry to benefit prolonged housing delivery and economic benefit for the state.

“As outlined in today’s BCEC report a comprehensive and cohesive plan is required if WA is to meet the housing requirements of the growing population and the National Housing Accord target of 25,000 homes,” said HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan.

“The report calls for the unlocking of land availability, building industry labour capacity, ongoing social and affordable housing investment, tax reform and regulatory certainty as ways to address housing diversity, affordability and supply for the state – issues front of mind for many consumers.

“These key pillars are the foundation of what could be a clear directive by this Government on the importance of housing and the importance of a strong and sustainable industry to support the growth aspirations of WA.”

The report also calls on the need for industry to continue to evolve and adopt new construction methodologies to bring efficiency and housing choice to market.

“We are supportive of change, and the construction of the 8,000 additional homes required every year for the next five years presents an amazing opportunity to explore new technology, methodology and materials.

“Unfortunately, the typical boom bust cycles that the industry has endured for 20 years makes it challenging to attract investment in these new methodologies and further emphasises why a plan and direction is so critical,” said Mr McGowan.

HIA is also pleased to note the report acknowledged the impact on industry from the flow of workers out of residential building and construction and into mining related activities and highlights the role of the Construction Training Fund in lifting the profile of industry to attract new workers.

“We have been anecdotally aware of the transition of workers between industries for a long-time, so its pleasing to see this called out in the BCEC report.

“HIA also acknowledges the BCEC report’s recognition of the hard work being done by the Construction Training Fund and supports the recommendation for the expansion of their programs to reach more potential workers for our industry.

“To date HIA has welcomed the Cook Government’s initiatives including the boost to skilled migrant workforce, continued incentives for our home grown workforce through apprentice subsidies and free-free TAFE training, adjustments to Keystart lending settings, and efficiencies to planning and approval processes; but the focus of the next government must be to implement a far-sighted, whole of housing plan that will deliver through the end of the decade,” concluded Mr McGowan.

For more information please contact:

Michael McGowan

Executive Director - Western Australia
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