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Collaborative efforts: Industry leaders join forces in NSW housing taskforce to address social housing with modular construction.
The New South Wales government has launched a dedicated taskforce aimed at addressing the acute shortage of social housing through modular construction methods.
With a budget commitment of $10 million, the initiative is set to oversee the construction of around 20 new one- and two-bedroom social homes, primarily in the state’s regional areas. (main pic: Modular housing by Wagga Wagga based Prefabulous.)
The objective is to reduce the burgeoning social housing waiting list in the state by utilising ‘faster, cheaper’ modular-constructed homes on surplus government land throughout New South Wales.
Led by Premier Chris Minns, this initiative is a key part of a larger housing strategy, highlighted during the final parliamentary sitting week of the year. The modular construction taskforce combines a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from industry associations prefabAUS, Shelter NSW, and the Community Housing Industry Association, alongside government architects, industry suppliers, union representatives, and individuals with lived experience in social housing.
Acting Chief Executive of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, Michael Wheatley, commented on the initiative, emphasising the many benefits of modular homes. “Modular construction is not just cost-effective; it significantly reduces the time needed to build homes. This is a critical factor in addressing the immediate needs of those on the social housing waiting list,” he said.
Areas of focus for the task force include:
According to the government, the pilot scheme is viewed not merely as a stopgap measure but as a potential long-term solution to the state’s housing shortage.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, stressed the urgency of the situation. “The housing crisis in NSW demands immediate and effective solutions. Modular housing presents a vital opportunity to provide quicker, more affordable housing options for those in need,” she stated.
The advisory taskforce, to be managed by Homes NSW and operational for up to two years, is part of the state’s broader effort to provide more and better homes for people in need.
