South Australia’s economy is benefitting from a dramatic increase in construction work, with a significant rise in the number of residential buildings constructed.


Latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that for the June quarter total construction work done rose by 1.6% to $4.7b.


This represents an 8.4% increase through the year.


Construction work includes residential and non-residential building work as well as engineering work.


Residential building work rose this quarter by 4.0% to $1.6b. This is 19% higher than it was this time last year.


SA’s annual residential growth rate is significantly ahead of the next best jurisdiction, Western Australia at 9.5% and is well above the national increase of 5.3%.


Non-residential building work rose by 4.7% in the June quarter to $1b.


The latest data complements the recent CommSec State of the States report, which ranked South Australia number one for construction work and dwelling starts.


Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the government was doing everything it can to build more homes to address the housing supply crisis.


“This data demonstrates our efforts are having a positive impact for the community,” he said.


“Through the Housing Roadmap, we are accelerating land releases, streamlining approvals and investing in vital infrastructure to keep this momentum going.


“It’s particularly encouraging to see residential building work is 19% higher than this time last year.”


Master Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley said in recent years South Australia has consistently had one of the strongest economies in the nation and no sector has been more influential than building and construction.


“Nearly $20b a year is being delivered, and our economic multiplier effect is unmatched,” he said.


“A record-high 92,000 South Australians are now employed in our industry and the benefits flow right through our whole state.


“The Malinauskas Government has strongly backed us, and we are delivering.”