The Western Australian government says it will provide $49 million through its Housing Innovation Fund to support 15 local housing manufacturing projects aimed at increasing housing supply and expanding the use of prefabrication and other modern construction methods across the state.
Announced by the WA government, the funding is intended to help manufacturers adopt advanced production methods that can accelerate home construction by using factory-made components and modular designs instead of relying solely on traditional on-site building processes.
It noted that successful applicants will match the grants with a 50 per cent co-contribution, with projects assessed on their ability to increase housing supply, support local industry, deliver regional benefits and improve construction efficiency.
The government said the funded projects include the manufacture of wall frames, modular housing units and other prefabricated building components in controlled factory environments, which can help reduce delays, material waste and labour shortages affecting the construction sector.
Premier Roger Cook said the investment formed part of the government’s broader housing strategy.
“My government’s priority is ensuring every Western Australian has a home,” Cook said.
“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.”
Cook said the initiative also aligned with the government’s “Made in WA” agenda.
“This investment in local manufacturers shows how my Made in WA plan can help ensure more Western Australians access the security a home provides,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the investment was aimed at increasing housing supply while supporting productivity in the construction sector.
“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,” Saffioti said.
“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.”
She added that the funding would help strengthen the state’s construction supply chain while supporting local manufacturing employment.
Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the program was designed to support local businesses and expand existing industrial capability.
“The Housing Innovation Fund will help WA manufacturers unlock innovative new ways to deliver and construct more homes, more quickly,” Sanderson said.
“This is good for jobs, good for housing and good for our local manufacturing sector.”
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said modular and alternative construction approaches were already being incorporated into the state’s social and affordable housing programs.
“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,” Carey said.
The funding announcement follows a separate $48 million State Budget allocation to support advanced housing and infrastructure manufacturing facilities being developed by Built Living and Atlas Precast in Neerabup and Kwinana.
Among the largest recipients announced were Pique Mod Pty Ltd, Kimberley Manufacturing Pty Ltd, Home Group WA Pty Ltd and Limestone Building Blocks Company Pty. Ltd., each receiving up to $5 million for manufacturing and modular housing projects.
