Premier optimistic that 3D printed houses could solve Tasmania’s housing crisis
After a successful trade mission in the US, the Premier has returned to the state optimistic that 3D printing could be the solution to the housing crisis. Video: See how it works
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Following a successful trade mission in the US, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has returned to the state optimistic that a new technology could be leveraged to address the housing crisis in Tasmania.
During his trip, the Trade Minister met with ICON, a Texan construction technology firm that is 3D printing houses made of concrete in just two days.
Mr Rockliff said he was interested in exploring 3D printing as a new and innovative solution to deliver additional housing supply in Tasmania.
“The trade mission also unlocked opportunities for future industry development, and I look forward to bringing modern technologies, such as industrial 3D printing, to Tasmania, which will dramatically lower the cost of building houses,” Mr Rockliff said.
“I met with ICON, the company responsible for the largest 3D-printed community in the world. With their ability to deliver fully permitted homes in just a few weeks, this is the type of innovation Tasmania needs to harness as we work to delivering our goal of 10,000 more social and affordable homes.
“I’ve tasked the Department of State Growth to work with industry and training providers to further this innovation in Tasmania.”
Shelter Tasmania acting chief executive Kim Bomford said the Premier’s openness to investigating 3D printing for housing was seen as a positive step, showing the government was willing to consider alternative approaches beyond traditional construction methods.
“We’re in the in the thick of a housing crisis, and it sort of seems as if there’s a little bit of no end to it,” Ms Bomford said.
“So from a Shelter Tasmania perspective, we’re always very interested in supporting and exploring any new and innovative solutions that will deliver additional supply into the state and, more broadly, Australia.”
While 3D printing is advancing in the US, Ms Bomford said it is still new in Australia, and initial investment and infrastructure costs could be significant.
“It is a very new technology, particularly in Australia,” she said.
“So I guess the thing that we need to be aware of and be cautious of is that nothing is a silver bullet.
“Looking at everything and looking at the advantages for particular types of housing, particular locations it is best suited to, etc, is really important. So from that perspective, if the government’s willing to look at that, I think that’s fantastic.”
Tenants’ Union of Tasmania principal solicitor Ben Bartl agreed the technology could revolutionise affordable housing, but warned it wasn’t a miracle solution.
“3D printing has the ability to build cheaper, faster, and more sustainable housing,” Mr Bartl said.
“But while it is part of the solution, we also need more tradespeople to be able to do the plumbing, electrics, and other fitting out of the property.
“It also should not be forgotten that we already have enough homes for everyone who needs one, it is just that we are not providing sufficient encouragement for investors to make use of their empty properties as well as allowing investors to buy up rental stock and convert into short-stay holiday accommodation.”
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