The Western Australian Government has announced a $50 million Housing Innovation Fund aimed at expanding the state’s housing supply through increased adoption of modern construction technologies and strengthened local manufacturing capability.
According to the WA Government, the fund forms part of its Made in WA plan and is designed to encourage prefabricated, modular and automated building methods to reduce costs, shorten build times and improve sustainability.
The first stage opens a competitive grant program offering up to $5 million per applicant, with a 50 per cent co-contribution, the government said in a news release.
Premier Roger Cook said the initiative responds to population growth and continued pressure on the housing market.
“My government is working hard every day to ensure every Western Australian has a home,” he said. “By supporting new construction methods, my government will continue to ensure a steady stream of affordable housing is made available for all Western Australians.”
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the fund is intended to drive productivity improvements across the sector.
“The Housing Innovation Fund will support builders and manufacturers to embrace modern construction methods and improve productivity across the supply chain,” she said, adding that innovation can “future-proof the industry so it can continue to meet demand.”
Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the program reflects confidence in WA’s industrial capability.
“Western Australia has the skills, innovation and manufacturing know-how to lead the nation in modern methods of construction,” she said.
“By supporting businesses to adopt prefabrication, modular systems and advanced automation, we’re strengthening local supply chains and creating high-value manufacturing jobs.”
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the fund complements other government measures targeting housing availability.
“This Fund is a powerful demonstration of our government’s commitment to partnering with industry to support more Western Australians into secure housing,” he said.
The government said a second stage of the program, offering low-interest loans for eligible applicants involved in prefabrication, modular systems and advanced manufacturing, is expected to open in early 2026.
