AMPLIFY is calling on the Victorian Government to unlock the potential of modern prefab housing, a bold housing reform that would boost the state’s flagging housing supply.
AMPLIFY says Victoria’s housing regulations have not kept pace with new ways of building, like prefab and modular housing, with the system built around slower traditional onsite methods.
In a submission to the Victorian Government’s consultation on enabling modern methods of construction, AMPLIFY highlighted three key actions to boost uptake and help scale the market.
These include:
- Leveraging government procurement power to seed a pipeline of modern homes
- Modernising regulations to cut red tape
- Mobilising and growing skills for modern construction methods
“Across Australia, the promise of living in a home when and where you need has been broken. Australia’s housing crisis demands bold reform – nothing less will deliver the homes we need,” AMPLIFY CEO Georgina Harrisson said.
“Victorians are strong supporters of modern construction, with our research showing 70% of Victorians want to see more prefab and modular housing in the market. The Victorian Government should harness this support and grow modern construction through bold reform that targets the barriers preventing prefab housing from scaling.
“In particular, there is a key opportunity to grow social housing more quickly – an acute need for governments – and while doing so, unlock a solution for the rest of the housing market. All Australians should have the opportunity to have access to safe long-term housing.”
AMPLIFY has visited the Australian Housing Co, an innovative Victorian modular housing manufacturer, creating the next generation of specialist disability housing. Australian Housing Co Executive Director Shaun Higgins has backed AMPLIFY’s submission.
“Victoria’s housing regulations really need to be updated to boost modern construction. We would really like to see government throw their support behind modern housing in a meaningful way so manufacturers like us can scale our operations,” he said.
“There are enormous benefits to modern construction. Manufacturing offsite means fewer disruptions and delays and new housing can be delivered much quicker. We are doing this with our specialist disability housing – which is desperately needed in Victoria.”
AMPLIFY’s Fab, Fast, & Fair Housing campaign is calling on governments around the nation to do more to unlock modern construction and unlock supply.
-- ENDS --