Modular home manufacturing has received a funding boost ahead of the Queensland Budget being handed down next week.
Premier Steven Miles has announced funding to support up to 600 modular homes to be rolled off the factory line by the end of the year to be deployed to regional Queensland.
It’s part of the wider $2.8-billion Homes for Queenslanders housing commitment by the State Government to address ongoing housing supply shortages across the region.
Modular homes are built in a factory and shipped to site, expediting building times.
Miles said the order for an additional 600 modular homes would help this part of the housing sector grow.
“My first Budget as Premier of the state will help get more homes up off the ground, put more tradies on the tools, provide support for renters and our hardworking homelessness organisations,” Miles said.
“I know that to build the homes Queensland needs, we need to do things differently, which is why QBuild and businesses across the state will be enlisted to roll out more modular homes.”
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the program would deliver “safe and affordable places to call home”.
“We are doing this by pulling every lever possible,” Dick said.
“To deliver the Homes for Queenslanders we’ve committed $2.8 billion in the upcoming Budget, the largest investment in housing in Queensland’s history.
“This record investment in the state’s housing means we will continue this momentum and provide more housing for all Queenslanders.”
The modular home sector has experienced a surge in interest in the past few years as the construction crunch and wet weather challenges productivity across the industry.
In March 2023 the Queensland Government launched its QBuild Rapid Accommodation and Apprenticeship Centre prefabrication factory as part of a $519-million Government Employee Housing package.
The factory at Eagle Farm tooled up to provide housing for government workers and speed up the delivery of supply in Queensland, alongside private modular house builders such as Yatala-based Volo Modular and Gold Coast business ModnPods.
The Queensland Government is due to hand down its Budget on June 11.