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The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s investment announcement of $54 million to support prefabricated and modular home construction. Source: Timberbiz AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said Aussie grown, sustainable timber and wood-fibre are key materials resources for the expanding prefabricated and modular construction industry and it’s important the right regulatory guidance and government support framework is set, as demand increases for these new home options. Over the weekend, the Government announced $49.3 million to support state and territory governments to boost prefabricated and modular home construction and $4.7 million for the development of a voluntary national certification process to streamline approvals and standards. “Australia desperately needs new and innovative ways to deliver much needed new homes and the forest products sector has been ahead of the curve diversifying into pre-fabricated and modular housing construction,” Ms Hallam said. “We welcome the Albanese Government’s support to assist state and territory jurisdictions with this expanding form of housing and funding to develop a national voluntary certification process, to assist industry confidence in the manufacturing process. “Just last month, the Productivity Commission recommended a scaling back of ‘unnecessary regulatory impediments’ into new construction methods like prefabricated and modular housing, which is why it’s important that governments work with industries like ours when developing certification processes – and we extend a willing hand to be part of that development process,” she said. “The benefits of using Aussie grown sustainable timber and wood-fibre for housing construction are many. Our materials naturally store carbon and help fight climate change, while our sector supports skilled employment, much of it located in regional Australia. “We thank the Government for this announcement and will work with them and the Dutton led Opposition ahead of the election to ensure our Australian Timber.”