Raising the roof on housing

by Aidan Knight
New robotic technology to fast-track the construction sector was unveiled at Drouin West Timber and Truss last week.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing was on hand to see the company's first venture into robotics, which was the result of a government grant
"Building one party board panel (used for internal townhouse walling) would normally take about 22 to 24 minutes (to construct)," DWTT managing director Peter Ward said. "We're now building it in under 10".
The time is likely to reduce further, as Mr Ward explained the robotics were still being utilised in a "demo capacity" as they had for the past four weeks.
Staff will continue to use the machinery lightly during the conditioning period, and tweak software as they become more familiar with the technology.
The robotics also perform all tasks on the same conveyor line, as opposed to workers previously manually moving panels and boards from line to line to complete different processes along the preparation of building kits.
Ms Shing said the new technology would help "to make sure we're getting more goods to market and with modern methods of construction, a really big frontier, and we know that assisting companies just like this with automation and robotic technology, we will enable them to deliver more homes quickly right here in West Gippsland."
Ms Shing said the government was "really determined to make sure we are investing in and supporting businesses for those new and priority growth industries."
The new technology at DWTT is being used to more quickly build 14-bedroom, two-story townhouses, which Ms Shing confirmed equated to one per day and would double by 2030.
"We are continuing to build and approve more homes than other states, and if we want to keep that pace up, we need to make sure we're supporting companies just like this one," she said.
The townhouses can now be built within a week, using the new technology to automate a huge chunk of previously manual labour involved in the process, with everything except the roof, allowing for faster housing of families who would usually wait for months.
Mr Ward disagreed with rhetoric that automating such processes would reduce jobs, and the focus remained firmly on enabling more efficiency to an overworked and underskilled sector, that had many run-on benefits, namely the housing crisis.
"Not only will we see an additional six jobs created (at DWTT), we'll also see increased productivity and output," Ms Shing said.
"This is where Regional Development Victoria is working alongside businesses in growth industries, to make sure we have upskilling and retooling where necessary, to take advantage of those new and emerging growth industries. Whether it's renewable energy or a move to more construction in pine, there are a lot of opportunities - and we are really determined to work alongside local businesses just like this to make sure that happens."
Ms Shing emphasised the value of a "time is money" mindset when approaching the housing crisis, and every screw hole per panel done by the DWTT robotics would save money on-site "when they leave the truck."
The homes built from DWTT will be delivered across the state from Warragul to Tarniet. The grant was provided through the State Government's Victorian Investment Fund.
Mr Ward said the project would cement the company's position in advanced manufacturing.
"The project will increase our offsite manufacturing capacity by around 50 per cent, create new skilled jobs and help us deliver more innovative housing solutions for Victorians."
While the new robotics are expected to significantly boost output and reduce construction times, Ms Shing said the investment was only one part of addressing Victoria's housing needs.
"There's more work to be done," she said, pointing to the need for continued investment in housing supply, workforce skills and modern construction methods. As DWTT expands production and trains staff to work alongside the new equipment, both the company and government are hopeful increased efficiency will translate into more homes being delivered sooner across Victoria.