The Queensland Government announced that dozens of apprentices are gearing up to utilise Cairns’ newest Rapid Accommodation and Apprenticeship Centre (RAAC), dedicated to constructing more residences for Queenslanders in need.
Regardless of weather conditions, this facility will focus on manufacturing modular homes for social and government housing projects, following the blueprint of a similar setup in Brisbane’s Eagle Farm, the government said in a media statement.
The RAAC will not only assemble complete homes but also handle the production of bathroom modules, flatpack kitchens, and timber frames.
As on-site works progress, factory-built modules will be simultaneously constructed, with the finished homes transported to their designated sites for installation.
Since its inception in late 2022, the Eagle Farm facility has played a crucial role in delivering over 100 modular homes to address Queensland’s housing demands. Additionally, a smaller RAAC operates in Zillmere.
Set to be operational by mid-March 2024 in Portsmith, Cairns, this latest manufacturing hub aims to ramp up production by the month’s end.
Premier Steven Miles outlined the government’s commitment to the Homes for Queenslanders plan, aiming for 53,500 social homes by 2046 with over $1.2 billion in additional funding.
He emphasised the importance of exploring innovative methods like modular housing and expanding construction capacity through apprenticeships to achieve this goal.
“We won’t waste any time getting to work because vulnerable Queenslanders deserve a safe place to call home,” the premier noted.
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick underscored the significance of the Portsmith centre in addressing housing needs by increasing supply and bolstering the skilled workforce.
“It ticks all the boxes – building new homes, increasing our skilled workforce, and making our state more resilient in the face of natural disasters,” Dick remarked.
Housing and Public Works Minister Meaghan Scanlon pointed out the resilience of the Far North region in the face of natural disasters and the importance of uninterrupted construction activities.
She lauded the factory’s presence in Cairns, enabling continuous home construction despite adverse weather conditions and expediting delivery times, particularly in challenging regional areas.
“We’re rebuilding QBuild after the LNP cut 1,600 staff from its ranks – the people who are responsible for building, maintaining and repairing homes,” the minister concluded.
The expansion of QBuild is in full swing, propelled by the government’s commitment to Rebuild QBuild.
Phase 2 of the initiative is expected to welcome up to 500 qualified trades staff and apprentices to the QBuild workforce, following the recruitment of an extra 300 staff in Phase 1.
