Social housing—3D-printed homes
198. Hon Dr Brian Walkerto theLeader of the House representing the Minister for Planning and Lands:
I refer the minister to the announcement late last week that the New South Wales Government has completed its first-ever 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo, as part of its efforts to address the current housing crisis being experienced throughout Australia.
(1) What innovative solutions is the WA government pursuing in this space?
(2) Do any of the government's plans involve 3D printing, or, indeed, hemp, which we know can also now be 3D-printed?
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:
I thank the honourable member for his consistency and also for his notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Department of Communities (Communities) already has an open and ongoing call for submissions process in which builders and developers with alternative building methods can submit proposals or projects at any time to be considered for future housing delivery. To further support the delivery of housing projects, the state government has an established statewide Housing Construction and Refurbishment Builders Panel, consisting of 145 small, medium and large companies from across Western Australia, to support new construction and refurbishments. Of the typical residential dwellings contracted by Communities in 2023–24, approximately 40% have been constructed from alternative materials other than traditional masonry. This compares with approximately 20% in 2022–23. It should be noted that there are currently no large-scale 3D-printing building companies operating in Western Australia.
