To support the new homes needed to ease the housing crisis, governments will have to invest significantly in supporting infrastructure.
According to Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, in the 2023-24 financial year, approximately 208,000 new households were formed, while only 178,000 new homes were delivered. This shortfall was reflected in the previous year as well, with 244,000 new households formed and only 173,000 dwellings created.
This continued undersupply in the housing market means that affordability has deteriorated significantly with no sign of recovering, leaving home ownership far out of reach for many Australians.
To combat this, the Federal Government has established a target of 1.2 million new homes delivered across Australia over the next five years.
The housing targets are needed and have been welcomed by industry; but these additional homes will also require significant supporting infrastructure, such as roads, water and wastewater networks, powerlines and more, to effectively service growing communities.
Supporting infrastructure
There are many projects, funds, initiatives and grant programs from all levels of government supporting the delivery of both new homes and the enabling infrastructure to support them.
Among these is the Federal Government’s $1 billion Homes for Australia plan, which is delivering funding to states and territories for the development of enabling infrastructure and amenities essential for new homes.
Councils have repeatedly advocated that along with these initiatives, we need increased investment in housing supporting infrastructure. With the government releasing ambitious housing targets and proposals, local governments are concerned that investment in the necessary infrastructure remains a ‘sticking point’ across the country, and they continue to call on state and federal governments to deliver the funding required to make these vital projects happen.
Stormwater, water and sewer infrastructure
Water, stormwater and sewer networks are some of the most important services enabling infrastructure projects for new housing developments. Civil infrastructure companies across Australia are ramping up efforts to expand and enhance their networks in preparation for the government’s ambitious housing targets.
To deliver these projects councils and utilities will need to rely on quality suppliers and service providers.
Civilcast is a pre-approved supplier to New South Wales councils, offering industry-leading civil products for the delivery of stormwater, water and sewer infrastructure.
Its extensive range of precast concrete and steel products – including grates, manhole covers, and precast pits, culverts and custom precast solutions – ensures Civilcast can meet the diverse needs of its customers, no matter the project. Its agile team also promise streamlined product delivery, minimising costly project delays.
With an in-house team of civil engineers and estimators, Civilcast can provide leading expertise and advice that can guide customers through the unique challenges of their projects.
It can also deliver custom solutions to the current challenges associated with the raft of new infrastructure Australia’s growing communities will require, tailor-made and meticulously designed, to support even the most demanding project.
For more information, visit civilcast.com.au
