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Modern methods of construction (MMC) or elements of modular construction to form at least 50% of all government construction projects.
Queensland has taken the national lead towards transforming its construction industry with the launch of a joint government-industry roadmap aimed at driving productivity and workforce improvements. The state has set a clear target: by 2030, at least 50 per cent of construction projects will incorporate elements of modular construction or other forms of modern methods of construction (MMC).
On July 24, Premier Steven Miles and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace jointly announced the roadmap, which seeks to address the pressing challenges of national worker shortages and stagnant productivity levels that are impacting infrastructure projects across Australia. The roadmap is part of the broader Big Build initiative, the largest infrastructure program in Queensland’s history.
“The new roadmap sets out how we achieve our goals – driving productivity and workforce improvements across industry so we can do more and build more,” said Premier Steven Miles. “Queenslanders can trust that a government I lead has a plan for the future, and we’re going to deliver it.”
The roadmap includes a pilot project in Cairns [QBuild MMC facility] and surrounding areas, which will explore new ways of collaborating to enhance infrastructure procurement and delivery while expanding workforce capacity. This initiative aims to set a new standard in delivering vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, homes, and transport services, essential for building thriving communities.
Minister Grace Grace emphasised the importance of building capacity in the construction sector, which employs around 280,000 people and contributed $34.2 billion to Queensland’s economy in 2022-23. “Building smarter with a highly skilled workforce is the key to boosting productivity, and industry is partnering with us to achieve this. MMC is something that’s happening across government already, but we want to see more of it and make it more consistent,” she stated.
The Infrastructure Productivity and Workforce Roadmap and Action Plan deliver on commitments made in the State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042. Key focus areas include promoting best practices, supporting decision-making, embracing innovation and digital technologies, meeting future skills demand, and fostering workforce wellbeing and diversity.
Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the roadmap. “We’re pleased to have worked with the Queensland Government in developing this important roadmap. Targets, like the adoption of modern methods of construction and standardised design, are crucial for achieving the progress we all desire.”
Louise Van Ristell, CEO of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland, confirmed this sentiment. “Partnering with the Queensland Government on the Infrastructure Productivity and Workforce Roadmap is an excellent continuation of our collaboration. We’re excited by the potential of the Cairns pilot, which is the sort of innovative thinking we need to have a greater impact in Queensland’s regional areas,” she said.
Queensland has committed over $107 billion to developing infrastructure over the next four years.
See: https://budget.qld.gov.au/overview/queenslands-big-build/
