HOMEBUILDER REFINEMENT NEEDED TO CONTINUE COVID-19 RECOVERY

29.03.2021 EWPAA Media Release – Refining HomeBuilder

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gavin Matthew said, “The construction sector is known as the engine room for growth and jobs in Australia’s economy for good reason, with timber
manufacturing industries supplying significant amounts of renewable timber products to build and renovate houses in Australia.”

“HomeBuilder and associated State government stimulus measures have been successful and are effectively underpinning increased consumer confidence and significant new home and
renovations demand in key markets around Australia. However, there are growing concerns about maintaining a sustainable level of building demand into 2022, as HomeBuilder with its
existing settings runs its course,” said Mr Matthew.

“There is a strong need to smooth and prolong new housing and renovation demand into 2022, by extending the existing 6 month timeline between signing a contract and construction
starting to at least 12 months in the Homebuilder program. This change will positively impact jobs, businesses, and communities right across Australia, and support the broader construction
supply chain into 2022,” Mr Matthew concluded.

The timber manufacturing sector produces many innovative, reliable, and renewable products that should be recognised as preferred building materials in a low emissions future.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528