The Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) National CEO, Nicholas Proud, has welcomed the prominence of civil infrastructure in the current election campaign, calling it a pivotal moment for Australia’s future at a time of historic lows of housing as shown by ABS Building Activity today.

“It’s a quantum leap forward to see civil infrastructure taking centre stage this election. As the backbone of our nation’s development, investment in critical infrastructure is essential to unlocking the housing and economic opportunities that Australians desperately need,” said Mr Proud.

Housing figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlight the urgency of this focus, with new dwelling commencements dropping to 165,048 in the year to September 2024, a significant decline from 228,918 in the same period in 2021. This stark reality underscores the importance of strategic infrastructure investment to address housing supply challenges and meet the demands of a growing population.

“You can’t spend a dollar in housing construction until you invest a dollar in civil infrastructure,” Mr Proud emphasised. “Infrastructure such as roads, water, and power isn’t just complementary to housing—it’s foundational.”

The Commonwealth Government’s recent announcements demonstrate a strong commitment to tackling the issue, including today’s pledge of $182 million for critical infrastructure that will unlock over 25,000 new homes across the state.

Additional commitments welcomed include:

  • Victoria: $35.8 million for five projects to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas, delivering 3,149 new homes.
  • Tasmania: $10 million for the South Brighton Development Precinct, unlocking up to 600 homes.
  • Queensland: $101.8 million for critical infrastructure to support over 4,800 homes across the state.
  • Western Australia: Almost $90 million to unlock 1,367 homes through essential projects like water, power, and roads.

“These investments are crucial steps towards addressing the nation’s housing shortfall. By prioritising civil infrastructure, we not only unlock housing supply but also create jobs, boost productivity, and drive economic growth,” Mr Proud said.

For further information: Rowan Carter, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Civil Contractors Federation (National), 0407 896 862