Approvals increased by 13 to 269 in July in trend terms Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

The 4.5 per cent increase was beaten only by the ACT.

Monthly approvals dropped into the 150s in some months in 2016.

The dwelling approvals numbers followed strong building and construction figures the ABS issued on August 22.

Referring to those, Building and Construction Minister Guy Barnett said: “Tasmania’s building and construction is booming, with recent independent reports confirming the industry’s growth is set to continue for the foreseeable future.”

“The latest ABS figures show that Tasmania has recorded the highest growth rate in the nation in respect to new residential construction, with a 22 per cent increase in the value of new residential work done in the 2017-18 financial year, compared to the previous year.

“They also show that in the March 2018 quarter, dwelling commencements were up by 31 per cent compared to the same time last year, which was the highest growth rate in Australia and nearly 10 times the national average.

“In a boost for Tasmanian jobs, the ABS also confirmed in May 2018 that employment in the building and construction sector is at its highest ever level, with the year-average number of Tasmanians working in the industry at 23,200.”

He said the results were fantastic for the industry and the wider state economy.

                        - SEAN FORD