Constructing the future through collaboration
Government support signals prefab’s move into the mainstream
Since 2013, prefabAUS has been championing the benefits of prefabricated building through our community, events and annual Conference. From safety to efficiency to sustainability, there are so many reasons to get on board the prefab and modular building movement. It seems the Morrison Government agrees, having recently announced plans to develop a collaborative lab to help manufacturers design prefab buildings. In this post, we’ll share more details about the Government’s plan, plus what it means for the future of prefab and the Australian economy as a whole.
Prefabrication is building momentum
The prefab industry has been growing steadily since it emerged in Australia around 2010, but it still only accounts for a small portion of our burgeoning construction industry. However, according to Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, prefab building is set to boom in the coming years.
“This sector is starting to build significant momentum and currently represents three to five percent of Australia’s $150 billion construction industry,” Minister Andrews said in a media release.
"This share could grow to 15 percent by 2025, creating 20,000 new Australian jobs and adding $30 billion to our economy.”
The opportunities for prefab building will be a key focus at the prefabAUS 2019 Conference, which centres around the theme Offsite: Constructing the Future. Now in its sixth year, the 2019 prefabAUS Conference will be held over two days from 10-11 September at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, preceded by a Site Visit Program for prefabAUS members on Monday 9 September. The Conference will bring together thought leaders and industry experts who have been advocating the economic, environmental and industry benefits of prefab over the past decade.
New possibilities for prefab innovation
The prefab and offsite building industry is born on innovation, but innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires extensive research, stringent testing and significant expense to bring new products to market. Fortunately, with Government funding, the possibilities for prefab are set to expand.
The Government’s first step to growing the sector is to fund a feasibility study that explores new opportunities for prefab. The study will look at safety issues, regulations and global export options, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. From there, up to $2 million will be spent to develop a collaborative innovation lab for designing more eco-friendly, affordable buildings.
The new lab will support work on a diverse range of buildings, ranging from large offices to modular homes. The project has potential to strengthen Australia’s position in the global prefabricated building market – and to transform the climate of the local housing market.
Want to see what the future holds for Aussie construction?
Join us at the prefabAUS 2019 Conference and explore the possibilities. The Conference will feature local and international keynote speakers, Q&A panel discussions, and an exclusive networking function at the Australian National Maritime Museum. From modular homes to commercial construction, manufacturing to design, we’ll be talking all things building and prefab. There’ll even be free barista coffee to keep you fuelled throughout the Conference.
To learn more about the 2019 prefabAUS Conference, visit www.prefabaus.org.au/conference-2019/ and join the Conference mailing list for regular updates.