19 January 2024
Building approvals for new dwellings in Queensland have continued on an overall downward slide, prompting renewed calls for the state government to back the growth and productivity of the industry.
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the total number of new dwellings approved plunged by 14.6 per cent in the month to November. The drop is largely due to a sharp decline in approvals for units.
The three-month data shows there are some rays of positivity emanating from the state’s regional areas. Mackay & Whitsunday led the way with a 57 per cent jump in the total number of new houses and units, followed by Central Queensland at a distant 19 per cent. Greater Brisbane also saw a 12 per cent boost in the three months to November.
However, over the last 12 months, Queensland has seen an overall decline in new dwelling approvals, down 8.7 per cent over the year to November 2023.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said the continued decline in approvals at a statewide level is alarming – and immediate, practical action is needed.
“Queensland is already in the grips of a housing crisis – and the recent severe weather events in Far North Queensland and parts of the state’s South East have only added to the workload for our under-pressure building and construction industry,” Mr Bidwell said.
“People are displaced and crying out for trades to help – and as the extent of the existing damage is assessed, we need government support to quickly deliver what we expect will be a significant number of new homes and temporary homes, in addition to those needing repair.
“Right now, there’s another tropical low lurking in the Coral Sea threatening to evolve into a cyclone, making our industry and the community very nervous at the prospect of further damage and destruction.
“These latest ABS figures reinforce the fact that we’re well and truly behind the target of 48,000 new homes we need to build each year to meet the state’s share of the national target of 1.2 million dwellings.
“Now is the opportunity for the Miles Government to take action to improve productivity in the sector and deliver programs to attract and retain skilled workers to deliver vital housing and infrastructure for Queensland.
“Reducing unnecessary red tape for builders, such as unwarranted changes to the National Construction Code 2022, will also lighten our load.
“In these unprecedented times, it’s never been more vital for the Queensland Government to back us to get on with what we do best.”
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