The Australian Government has committed $120 million through the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) to support a pilot advanced manufacturing facility for housing construction in Neerabup, Western Australia, as part of a broader $240 million investment involving government and private-sector partners.
The facility, being developed by Built Living, a joint venture between Australian-owned contractor and property group Built and Wesfarmers, is expected to produce more than 2,000 apartments a year once operational. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
In a joint media release, the Australian Government said the project would bring advanced manufacturing techniques into the housing supply chain, with the facility expected to create about 150 construction jobs and a further 150 ongoing positions once operational.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the investment would support both housing construction and manufacturing capability.
“Australia needs to build more homes, but we also need to build more capability,” Ayres said. “This project brings advanced manufacturing into the housing supply chain, lifting productivity and helping deliver more homes for Australians.”
Built Living will use Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) methods to manufacture modular and precast concrete components for medium- and high-rise apartments. According to the Australian Government, the approach is expected to deliver apartments up to 20 per cent cheaper and up to 50 per cent faster than traditional construction.
The project will also provide training and upskilling opportunities in areas including advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the facility demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation between governments and industry.
“Built Living’s Neerabup facility shows what’s possible when governments, industry and manufacturers work together,” O’Neil said.
The NRF investment forms part of a wider funding arrangement. Wesfarmers has committed $100 million in equity, while the Western Australian Government previously provided a $20 million grant and land for the project.
WA Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the investment was intended to strengthen the state’s construction sector while increasing housing supply.
“By investing in two advanced manufacturing facilities in Western Australia, the Cook Government is backing innovative ways of building that will deliver more homes at a lower cost,” Saffioti said.
The Australian Government said the project would also support workers to develop skills relevant to advanced manufacturing and construction, while contributing to housing delivery around METRONET stations.
WA Minister for Housing and Works John Carey said alternative construction methods such as modular and prefabricated manufacturing could provide a more efficient approach to housing delivery.
“Our Government is embracing the benefits of alternative construction methods like modular and prefabrication because it is faster and a more efficient way to build homes,” Carey said.
The Neerabup facility is expected to become operational following construction, with the government positioning the project as a pilot for applying advanced manufacturing methods to housing construction in Australia.
