Cook Gov't Funds $49M Boost for Local Housing Makers

• Cook Labor Government delivering a $49 million boost for local housing manufacturers
• 15 projects awarded up to $5 million each through Housing Innovation Fund
• Funding will expand prefabrication and other modern methods of construction to boost housing supply
• Part of Cook Labor Government's plan to deliver more homes with a record $4.7 billion for housing in State Budget

The Cook Labor Government is delivering $49 million through the Housing Innovation Fund to 15 local housing manufacturers to deliver more homes for Western Australians.

The funding will support the adoption of modern methods of construction while assisting the building and construction industry to build homes faster and more efficiently.

Construction timelines can be sped up when construction companies are able to make use of factory-made components and modular designs, rather than relying solely on traditional on-site construction methods.

Successful grants recipients will jointly invest with the State Government, providing 50 per cent co-contribution in addition to their grant amount.

Projects were assessed on their ability to boost housing supply, support local industry, deliver regional benefits and improve construction efficiency.

The projects focus on making wall frames, modules and housing components in controlled factory settings, all of which boost the speed at which homes can be completed.

These methods reduce delays, waste and labour constraints often faced in the construction industry both in the metropolitan and regional areas.

Housing is a key priority in this year's State Budget, with a record $4.7 billion of additional investment to boost supply, as well as support young people and families to purchase their first home and alleviate pressures in the rental market.

Today's announcement complements the $48 million allocated in the State Budget to support Built Living and Atlas Precast establish and expand housing and infrastructure advanced manufacturing facilities in Neerabup and Kwinana.

Overseas models show large-scale prefabrication can deliver apartments at around 20 per cent lower cost and up to 50 per cent faster than traditional construction methods.

As stated by Premier Roger Cook:

"My government's priority is ensuring every Western Australian has a home.

"Our most recent Budget includes a range of measures to help get more renters, first-time buyers, and regional frontline service workers into housing, as well as support for innovative and exciting construction methods which will help build more homes throughout WA.

"This investment in local manufacturers shows how my Made in WA plan can help ensure more Western Australians access the security a home provides."

As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

"We're backing projects that will build more homes, faster for Western Australian families and support long-term productivity across the housing and construction sector.

"Supply, supply, supply. That's the housing challenge at the moment and that's what this investment in new methods of construction is all about.

"This investment will drive housing supply across our State, build capacity in our construction supply chain, and support local manufacturing and jobs.

"Supporting innovative methods of construction is all part of our commitment to delivering more homes for Western Australians backed by a record $10.8 billion investment since 2021."

As stated by Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Made in WA is about boosting existing capacity and supporting great local businesses.

"The Housing Innovation Fund will help WA manufacturers unlock innovative new ways to deliver and construct more homes, more quickly.

"This is good for jobs, good for housing and good for our local manufacturing sector."

As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:

"We have embraced modular and alternative construction methods in our social and affordable housing program and are continuing to look at ways to grow the sector.

"This is one of a number of initiatives we are supporting to accelerate housing supply, with the government also funding advanced manufacturing facilities, developing a new pattern book for medium density and streamlining planning in station precincts."

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