Call for Hunter firms to help lead delivery of modular housing
The Property Council of Australia is encouraging Hunter businesses to be at the forefront of a new era of housing construction, following the NSW Government’s launch of an Expression of Interest process for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) manufacturing facilities.
Property Council Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director Stephen Crowe said the initiative presents a significant opportunity for the Hunter to build on its industrial strengths while supporting the delivery of homes across NSW.
“The Hunter has spent generations building the infrastructure, energy and materials that have powered the state’s economy,” Mr Crowe said.
“Modern construction gives us an opportunity to apply that same expertise to one of NSW’s biggest challenges – delivering more homes, faster.”
The NSW Government is seeking industry proposals to establish or expand large-scale facilities capable of manufacturing prefabricated building components and modular housing solutions for residential development.
Mr Crowe said the Hunter’s combination of manufacturing capability, industrial land, logistics infrastructure and skilled workers made it an ideal location for future MMC investment.
“As our economy continues to evolve, we should be looking for opportunities to build on what the Hunter already does well. We have the workforce, we have the industrial know-how, and we have the transport infrastructure needed to support advanced manufacturing at scale.”
Mr Crowe said the Port of Newcastle could play an important role in supporting the sector’s growth.
“The Port is already diversifying its operations and positioning itself for the industries of the future. Modern construction and modular housing manufacturing align naturally with that broader diversification.
“There is a real opportunity to establish supply chains that bring materials into the region, support local manufacturing and distribute finished products across NSW and beyond.”
Mr Crowe said Modern Methods of Construction had the potential to improve productivity and help address housing supply constraints while creating new regional economic opportunities.
“MMC can reduce construction timeframes, improve productivity and provide greater certainty around delivery, all of which are critical if we’re going to meet long-term housing targets.”
“The Hunter has always adapted and evolved. This is another opportunity for local businesses to be part of the region’s next chapter and help shape how homes are built across NSW.”
