The Tasmanian Liberal Government is determined to help vulnerable Tasmanians into social and affordable housing quicker and the ModHomes Program, which goes to tender today, is the latest responsive solution to help increase supply.
The ModHomes Program aims to deliver a minimum of 50 modular social housing units per year, for four years, on land owned by the Director of Housing.
It will integrate modular housing construction in the ongoing delivery program of new social housing supply in Tasmania using the unique benefits of this construction method.
Modular construction is efficient because trades can work simultaneously without the need to schedule works and travel over multiple sites and locations, and weather-related construction delays are reduced in factory builds.
Factory production of modular units engages a different workforce, creating more jobs at a time when on-site trades are at capacity in the current busy construction industry. They can also be modified to meet the diverse and changing needs of tenants.
Modular units have undergone significant advances in the quality of manufacturing over recent years offering contemporary design, sustainable features and finishes, and comparable economic life, compared with onsite builds.
We are also committed to providing workforce training, increasing the supply of skilled labour and creating jobs.
The ModHomes Program will also incorporate a training opportunity for young Tasmanians who are currently underrepresented in the construction industry.
This is part of the Tasmanian Government's ambitious and comprehensive plan to build 10,000 social and affordable homes and units by 2032, which will be coordinated by the soon-to-be-established Homes Tasmania; made possible with the passing of legislation in Parliament last week.
This $1.5 billion housing package is the single largest housing investment in the State's history and we are on track to build 1,500 by June 30, 2023.
The Government has committed to leaving no stone unturned and the ModHomes program is a critical component of our strategy to increase housing and reduce homelessness.
We are focused on what Tasmanians really care about and the ModHomes Program is a great example of using innovative construction methods to build more homes quicker for vulnerable Tasmanians.
