The McGowan government is taking decisive action against Perth's worsening builder shortage, announcing a significant $600,000 funding package to bolster the state's struggling construction industry.
This substantial investment will be distributed among key housing industry bodies including the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Association, and the Urban Development Institute of Australia. The funding aims to turbocharge efforts to attract and train much-needed construction workers across Western Australia.
A Crisis Demanding Immediate Action
Perth's construction sector has been grappling with an unprecedented shortage of skilled builders and tradespeople, creating massive delays in project completions and driving up costs for homeowners. The situation has become so critical that it's threatening to derail the state's economic recovery and housing availability.
"This isn't just about building houses—it's about building Western Australia's future," a government spokesperson emphasised. "We need skilled workers on the ground now to keep our state moving forward."
Where the Money Will Make an Impact
The funding package is strategically allocated to address multiple fronts of the crisis:
- Workforce Development: Accelerated training programs and apprenticeships
- Industry Promotion: Campaigns to attract new talent to construction careers
- Streamlined Processes: Improving efficiency across the building pipeline
- Regional Expansion: Extending workforce development beyond metropolitan areas
Housing Industry Association WA executive director Michael McGowan welcomed the funding, stating it would help address "the most significant challenge facing our industry right now."
The Bigger Picture for WA's Future
This initiative forms part of the state government's broader strategy to overcome workforce shortages that have plagued multiple sectors since pandemic restrictions eased. The construction industry has been particularly hard hit, with demand for new homes and infrastructure projects surging while the workforce struggled to keep pace.
The funding announcement comes as Perth continues to experience strong population growth and increasing pressure on housing availability, making the resolution of builder shortages more urgent than ever for Western Australian families and the state's economic prosperity.
