Jeremy Rockliff,Acting Premier
Tasmania's building sector has continued to go from strength to strength according to the latest ABS figures.
The figures show that in the March 2021 quarter, the value of residential building work in Tasmania was 13.6 per cent higher than the same time last year – the second highest growth of all the states, and over the 12 months to March 2021, hit nearly $1.2 billion.
The number of dwellings commenced in the March 2021 quarter also hit 1,046 in seasonally adjusted terms, the largest in more than a quarter of a century, as the sector steps up and builds more homes for Tasmanians. The number of dwellings commenced is also 37.5 per cent higher than just before the pandemic, which is the second highest growth rate of the states.
These great results reflect our decision at the height of the pandemic last year to step in and drive our rebuild through our successful Construction Blitz and HomeBuilder Programs that have supported jobs and our economy through one of the most difficult years in memory.
Today's results add to last week's ABS figures showing our economic recovery is well advanced, with Payroll jobs now 2.6 per cent higher than before the pandemic and construction jobs six per cent higher across the same period.
But we want to continue this momentum, which is why we will continue to roll out the commitments we took to the election that will strengthen our economy further and secure Tasmania's future.
