- Cook Labor Government is providing up to $12.8 million to increase brick supply for new homes across Western Australia
- Brick supply package developed in consultation with industry to get more homes built sooner
- $7.5 million brick freight subsidy to support the import of more bricks into WA
- Package focuses on increasing supply for small and medium-sized builders
- Builds on $4 million Cook Labor Government investment to restart Cardup brickworks, which is set to be online by March 2027
The Cook Labor Government will invest up to $12.8 million in further measures to boost Western Australia’s brick supply and support small and medium-sized builders to deliver more homes across Western Australia.
It comes after the Cook Labor Government committed to providing up to $4 million to restart operations at Austral’s Cardup brickworks to boost WA’s domestic brick supply.
Expected to come online by March 2027, recommissioning the shuttered facility is expected to boost the State’s brick production by about 10-15 per cent, delivering around 17 million bricks per annum, which will include an allocation for small to medium sized builders.
The new package is designed to increase brick supply over the short term while this additional production capacity comes online.
A key focus of the package will be assistance for small and medium-sized builders, with the support measures expected to deliver 20 million bricks over the next six months.
The package will help builders continue construction activity, reduce delays and support the delivery of new homes.
Western Australia is continuing to see a strong increase in the number of new homes under construction, resulting in a sustained demand for bricks.
Building commencements grew to 25,505 homes in the 2025-26 financial year, up 90 per cent since the 2023 calendar year when building commencements hit a low of 13,433.
Around 70 per cent of homes constructed in Western Australia are double brick, compared to much lower rates of 2-11 per cent in other states and territories.
To boost the supply of bricks quickly, the package includes $7.5 million for a targeted freight subsidy program to support the import of about 20 million bricks into WA.
This will include a rebate of 50 cents per brick for 10 million bricks for small to medium builders and a rebate of 25 cents per brick for up to 10 million bricks for large builders.
The freight subsidy will make it more commercially viable to transport bricks into WA from interstate and overseas, which are more expensive than locally produced bricks.
For the average double brick home, it is expected that the freight subsidy will provide savings of approximately $2,500-$5,000 per home, costs that would otherwise be met by builders that are delivering homes with a fixed price contract.
The subsidy will focus on the import of two-course utility bricks which face the highest demand.
It will apply to an approved list of importers required to demonstrate the subsidies are passed through to builders in full, as well as ensuring the bricks meet Australian standards.
The Cook Labor Government will also provide a guarantee of up to $5 million in revolving credit facilities by commercial financers to further support small and medium-sized builders, as well as support with the total interest costs, estimated to be $300,000.
The facilities will provide builders cash flow support to assist in the upfront costs of importing bricks.
The brick supply package has been designed in collaboration with the Master Builders Western Australia and Housing Industry Association.
The package will be delivered by the Small Business Development Corporation and supported by the Housing Supply Unit in the Department of Treasury and Finance.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“My government is focused on ensuring every Western Australian has a home, and the security it provides.
“One way we can do that is by firming the supply of bricks so we can build more homes, sooner.
“We have worked closely with industry to develop this solution, which will get more bricks to local builders, so we can get more Western Australians into a home.”
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
“We’ve worked closely with the building industry to address the brick shortages they’re facing so we can continue to deliver more homes for Western Australians.
“This investment will deliver immediate support for our builders by bringing millions of bricks into our State over the next six months before local production ramps up at Cardup next year.
“Importantly, these measures will help small and medium-sized builders access the materials they need to keep projects moving and get more homes built sooner.
“No Western Australian Government has invested more in housing than ours, and this is another way we’re supporting industry to get more homes built sooner.”
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
“Our government continues to take unprecedented interventions to ensure continued supply of much-needed housing, including steps to ensure the reliable access to bricks that is essential to meet demand.
“This package complements our ongoing work to encourage the uptake of alternative construction methods, while supporting industry to boost the supply of bricks needed to deliver more homes.”
As stated by Master Builders Western Australia CEO Matt Moran:
“Master Builders Western Australia welcomes the State Government’s Brick Support Package, which will provide much-needed relief to builders struggling with ongoing shortages.
“This announcement follows months of sustained advocacy by Master Builders Western Australia on behalf of our members, particularly small and medium-sized builders who have been hardest hit by supply constraints. We thank the State Government for listening to industry and delivering practical measures to support builders and increase supply.
“The focus over the next six months must remain firmly on increasing brick supply and getting more bricks into the hands of builders. These measures must be implemented quickly and effectively to improve availability, provide greater certainty for builders and their clients, and ensure our members can keep building the homes Western Australians need.”
As stated by Housing Industry Association WA Executive Director Michael McGowan:
“Additional brick supply to support builders in completing homes already under construction, or currently in the pipeline, must be the priority over the next six months to ensure supply keeps pace with demand.
“Many homes have been designed and engineered for brick construction. Changing materials at this stage would create additional costs for builders operating under fixed-price contracts and result in further delays for consumers wanting to move into their new homes.
“The State Government’s willingness to step in and reduce some of the freight costs, while supporting initiatives to increase supply in the short term, will be welcomed by many of HIA’s members and the broader industry.”
