Modular homes playing a critical role in social housing programs
The Australian government has realized the significance of modular homes and how it can play a crucial role in helping solve the issue of housing shortages. In Queensland, Woree, there is a project underway, one of the largest in the area, aiming to provide 490 social housing units.
In 2021, the first batch of modular homes was used to combat this problem in Kalgoorlie after being manufactured in Perth. Additionally, in 2024, the government launched a project to provide 19 new homes to residents in Hamilton Hill, WA. This initiative was part of the $2.6 billion housing initiative to have over 2000 homes built for Western Australian residents.
In Queensland, units are built with a focus on providing housing for seniors, and those living with disability. The government has put aside $5.6 billion to build 560 homes in total in Queensland across different regions such as North Cairns, Earlville, Parramatta Park.
The end goal towards 2044 is to have over 50,000 social and community dwellings built. It’s an enormous opportunity for modular housing companies to meet growing housing demand, but also a big challenge to build these houses and keep up with deadlines.
Sam O’Connor, the Queensland Housing Minister admits that modular homes are critical to combatting the housing issues faced in the country. Additionally, they are aiming to finish construction a Youth Foyer in 2025 to assist youth at risk of homelessness in transitioning into adulthood.
The Minister of Housing for the WA government, John Carey, has commented saying the government is doing everything possible to help assist these social housing initiatives, even backing modular home building industries to improve the supply of houses.
Housing issues in Western Australia
Furthermore, WA remains under constant housing pressure. It is estimated that over 20,000 households are on the social housing waitlist with demand projected to rise to 85,000 homes by 2041.
Shelter WA has urged the government to deliver at least 5000 social affordable houses per year citing modular houses a crucial part of the solution. The government has already invested A$3.2 billion in social housing and has delivered approximately 2,550 homes.
How this initiative can have long lasting effects
It’s wonderful that the Australian government uses it funds in such an effective way, helping those in need, not just leaving them to fend for themselves. In other less rich countries such initiatives would not be possible or either just not happen.
The effects of this social housing initiative can be long lasting, even stretching over generations. To help someone in need find stability in life, instead of living on the streets, helps put less strain on other government initiatives and society. It helps reduce the inequality gap, revitalize less desirable areas giving it a boost, brings economic stability and prevents social fragmentation.
Why are modular homes being used in WA?
In Australia there is a dire need for housing due to increased housing costs making it unaffordable for many elderly, those with disability and even lower to middle income households. Modular homes can be built a lot cheaper and quicker than traditional brick buildings while still offering all the features of a modern-day home.
Some companies are even revolutionizing the industry, building granny flats in an assembly line with robots like cars are being built in factories.
At Aussie Bush Cabins we’re happy to help do our part by offering a wide range of affordable modular housing options in Western Australia. We focus on building high quality modular homes, built by hand with quality craftmanship and design.
Our company has come a long way building many homes over the years and dramatically improving our delivery times of homes.
Be sure to see all the different housing options we have available on our home page.