Building approval values highlight construction boom

Published on 30 January 2020

Updated data on building approvals within Goulburn Mulwaree for the financial year shows the value of approvals rising significantly. Over $158 million worth of building work was approved between July 2019 and the end of November highlighting confidence in the Goulburn economy.

Non-residential approvals are significantly higher than in recent years, due to the huge infrastructure projects underway in the region such as the Goulburn Hospital upgrade and the Goulburn Aquatic Centre redevelopment.

Mayor Bob Kirk said these numbers highlight a construction boom in the region, particularly within the commercial side of the industry.

“It’s certainly pleasing to look at the figures for only the first five months of the financial year and see that the value of our total building approvals is already higher than it has ever been, with 7 months’ worth of figures still to come.

“This is largely due to the non-residential approvals which sit at over $125 million, however it’s great to see that as of November our residential approvals were also on track to increase in comparison with 2018/19 financial year. All in all it means money is being spent in our region, jobs are being created and this will flow to other industries.”

Value of total building approvals for 2019/20 through until November was $32,817,000 (residential) and $125,622,000 (non-residential) totalling $158,438,000 worth of approvals. Total building approvals in 2018/19 was $99,456,000, while in 2017/18 it was $127,038,000.

The region continues to grow, with population increasing for 10 consecutive years at an average rate of 1.3%. The Draft Urban and Fringe Housing Strategy forecasts population in Goulburn to increase by over 6000 residents from the 2016 number through until 2036, while Goulburn Mulwaree is expected to add nearly 7,000 residents in total (this includes the Goulburn figures).