Warrnambool building boom hits record 400 approvals as labour crunch looms
Warrnambool approved almost 400 new dwellings for 2025-26, nearly double last year's 205, but builders struggle to find skilled tradespeople.
Warrnambool has approved nearly 400 homes for the coming year, the highest number since the pandemic boom and far above the ten-year average of about 200. The $660 million in total building works is more than triple last year's $175 million, fuelled by a hospital redevelopment and investor interest in the regional city.
Melbourne-based building suppliers are planning new Warrnambool stores to meet the surge in demand. Local builder Stephen O'Keefe says his team is booked solid for the next year.
He says he is struggling to find skilled tradespeople. He said he has heard many people saying they lost staff to the hospital project.
He said there is a shortage of good trades in the area.
- 400 dwellings
- 2025-26 approvals
- 205 dwellings
- 2024-25 approvals
- $660 million
- Building value
- About 200 approvals
- Ten-year average
Why it mattersA building boom can create jobs but also drive up costs and wages if the local labour supply cannot stretch far enough, which can stall projects.
AustraliaRegional Victoria's construction sector is booming, but Warrnambool may hit workforce limits unless more skilled tradespeople move to the area or travel in regularly.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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