THE Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has called for urgent reform after the Queensland Productivity Commission’s interim report into construction productivity revealed major inefficiencies leading to thousands of unrealised homes.
The commission found that productivity in Queensland’s construction sector has declined by nine per cent since 2018, equating to a loss of 77,000 potential dwellings – equivalent to over 1.5 years of national housing completions.
With an average of 2.5 people per household, this shortfall has potentially denied housing to around 193,000 Queenslanders.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the findings highlighted a systemic issue at the heart of the housing crisis.
“This report confirms what those in the industry have long known – inefficiencies and inaction are costing us homes,” Ms Mercorella said.
“It’s senseless that 77,000 dwellings have been lost due to avoidable delays and red tape. That’s a population the size of Toowoomba left without housing.”
The report identified several barriers, including overly complex approval processes, excessive regulation, and slow adoption of innovative building methods.
It also flagged the negative impact of Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC).
Ms Mercorella said the report echoed REIQ’s long-standing calls for a more agile and integrated housing system.
