Dr. Walker inquires about WA's approach to innovative housing solutions, specifically 3D printing and hemp, following NSW's 3D-printed social housing project. The Minister responds by highlighting existing initiatives and the lack of large-scale 3D-printing companies in WA.

AnsweredQoN 198Legislative Assembly
Asked
21 May 2025
Portfolio
Planning and Lands

QuestionView source ↗

Social housing—3D-printed homes
198. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Planning
and Lands:
I refer the minister
to the announcement late last week that the New South Wales Government has
completed its first-ever 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo, as part of
its efforts to address the current housing crisis being experienced throughout
Australia.
(1) What innovative solutions is the WA government
pursuing in this space?
(2) Do any of the government's plans involve 3D
printing, or, indeed, hemp, which we know can also now be 3D-printed?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable
member for his consistency and also for his notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Department of Communities (Communities)
already has an open and ongoing call for submissions process in which builders
and developers with alternative building methods can submit proposals or
projects at any time to be considered for future housing delivery. To further
support the delivery of housing projects, the state government has an
established statewide Housing Construction and Refurbishment Builders Panel,
consisting of 145 small, medium and large companies from across Western
Australia, to support new construction and refurbishments. Of the typical
residential dwellings contracted by Communities in 2023–24,
approximately 40% have been constructed from alternative materials other than
traditional masonry. This compares with approximately 20% in 2022–23.
It should be noted that there are currently no large-scale 3D-printing building
companies operating in Western Australia.

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