Queensland has logged a 13 percent jump in home approvals compared to the same time last year, according to Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell.
Mr Bidwell said the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows approvals are up for detached houses by 5.7 percent, and units by 7.3 percent in the three months to June.
“The challenge now, is to continue to boost residential construction and much-needed pipeline of schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and 2032 Games projects,” Mr Bidwell said.
“It’s encouraging to see we are gaining ground, but we’re not out of the woods yet – and there are further levers that can be pulled to bring us closer to those all-important government housing targets.”
He said 37,924 new dwellings were given the green light across Queensland in the preceding 12 months – up 13.1 percent on the same period last year.
The regions posted the strongest gains.
Far North Queensland led the way (+56.4 percent) followed by Central Queensland (+51.3 percent), Mackay and Whitsunday (+42.1 percent), and North Queensland (41.7 percent).
Greater Brisbane (+9.7 percent), Wide Bay Burnett (+9.4 percent), and the Sunshine Coast (+4.5 percent) were also positive.
The only exceptions were Downs & Western (Toowoomba) at -15.7 percent, and Gold Coast at -8.1 percent.
Toowoomba’s previous strong growth in approvals for detached houses is now retreating, while unit approvals remain flat.
The dive on the Gold Coast is attributed to the scarcity of affordable land for units and detached homes.
