Another dip in the number of new dwellings approved in Queensland has sparked renewed calls from industry for a redoubling of efforts to bolster the workforce needed to deliver the state’s generational construction pipeline.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed the total number of detached houses and units approved over the month of August declined by 22.5%. This was entirely owing to a significant plunge in unit approvals, down 56.1%. Approvals of detached homes recovered from the previous month with a slight increase of 6.3%.
Looking at the three-month trend across South East Queensland (SEQ), the Sunshine Coast moved further into red, where total dwelling approvals dropped by 12.7% in the August quarter. Growth continued across Greater Brisbane (+8.4%), the Gold Coast (+15.1%) and Downs & Western (+25.9%), albeit at a slower pace. Outside SEQ, Central Queensland led the way at +30.6%, followed by Mackay & Whitsunday (+28.1%), North Queensland (+14.8%) and then Wide Bay Burnett (+12.0%). Far North Queensland held steady at +0.3% after a period of decline.
The 12-month figures painted a more optimistic picture, with approvals for new unit construction up 31.8% over the previous 12 months. A total of 47,500 dwellings were given the nod over the same period, still short of the government target of 50,000 new homes a year.
It comes as Master Builders has called for increased investment in workforce development, increased apprentice and trainee participation, and showcasing industry-leading construction practices as part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy.
“The question we are consistently asked is, can we build the homes, schools, hospitals, community infrastructure and 2032 Games projects our state is counting on,” Deputy CEO Michael Hopkins said.
“While the pipeline is ambitious, our answer is yes, we can – if we pull all levers to get more qualified people to work on construction sites and tackle red tape wherever it holds back productivity.
“The legacy of Brisbane 2032 should be a stronger, more capable local construction industry that is better positioned to deliver the infrastructure and housing that Queensland will require in the decades ahead.
“To build the construction workforce of the future we need more apprentices in the industry, more skilled workers from interstate and overseas, and reforms which boost long-term productivity.
“The legacy of Brisbane 2032 must not only be outstanding infrastructure and community assets, but also a stronger, more productive and resilient Queensland building and construction industry.”
