A monthly Tasmanian construction snapshot from Master Builders has shown that women now account for 15.7 per cent of the industry's workforce.
Master Builders Tasmania chief executive Matthew Pollock said the statistics were almost double the amount from a year ago and 2.7 per cent higher than the national average.
"The 2020 Graduate Outcome Survey showed that the salaries of female graduates in building and construction exceeded that of their male counterparts by $7000, so the future for boosting female participation in the construction industry looks brighter by the day," he said.
Mr Pollock said the total construction workforce was also shown to have grown, with the latest data putting the total force at 23,102 people.
A recent government announcement was unveiled to support women wanting to undertake a career in civil construction.
Twenty organisations will have a share in $2 million of funding from the Supporting Women to Succeed Grants Program to boost women in the industry.
Women's Minister Jane Howlett said the new figures were encouraging.
"Tasmania's building and construction industry is going from strength-to-strength which is why the [government] is ensuring that women are part of this economic powerhouse," she said.
Mr Pollock said the construction snapshot did not only show data for women in the sector, but also showed the transition from stimulus lead public sector investment to private sector lead growth was well underway.
"In July 2021 more than half of the value of commercial projects approved were private sector jobs, a good sign that business confidence is improving," Mr Pollock said.
"That said, this data is for July, before the latest lockdowns in NSW and Victoria. Our recovering is in its infancy and whether this momentum is maintained into August and September is uncertain given the extended lockdowns in other states."
Mr Pollock said house prices were more than 20 per cent higher in all regions and housing types.
"The latter is putting pressure on housing affordability and is a strong signal that supply is still not keeping pace with demand," he said.
"More than 1000 dwellings commenced in the first 3 months of 2021. If we keep up this pace, 2021 will be the strongest year for new housing construction on record."
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On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
