National Reconstruction Fund Backs Major Perth Housing Project; Shark Attack Survivor Updates Recovery, Penguin Parade Vaccinated Against Bird Flu

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Major Housing Investment Near Perth Could Provide Boost to Apartment Supply

Sarah Basford Canales

The Australian government’s National Reconstruction Fund has committed $120 million to a $240 million advanced manufacturing facility north of Perth, projected to produce approximately 2,000 residential apartments annually once operational.

The initiative, announced this morning, includes an additional $20 million grant from the Western Australian government and a $100 million equity contribution from Wesfarmers, parent company of retail chains including Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.

The Built Living project, slated to commence construction before year-end, will utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver residential housing at scale. Government officials estimate the approach could reduce construction costs by up to 20% while accelerating build times by as much as 50% compared to traditional methods.

Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres emphasized the strategic importance of integrating advanced manufacturing into the housing sector:

“Australia needs to build more homes, but we also need to build more capability. This project brings advanced manufacturing into the housing supply chain, lifting productivity and helping deliver more homes for Australians.”

National News Updates

Good morning. Nick Visser here with your daily news summary:

Leah Stewart, who sustained serious injuries in a recent shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, has expressed gratitude to community members following her challenging recovery period.

In a statement posted to her GoFundMe page, Stewart wrote: “After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this.”

Following the incident, Stewart was placed in an induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.

In separate developments, wildlife authorities have initiated a mass vaccination program targeting the little penguin colony on Phillip Island, located southwest of Melbourne. The birds are receiving protection against the H5 strain of bird flu, which has already claimed the life of a seal—marking the first confirmed mammal fatality from the virus on the Australian mainland.

The 5,000-strong penguin population, known for their nightly procession along designated paths to their burrows, presents ideal conditions for the vaccination effort due to their predictable behavior patterns.

We’ll continue providing updates throughout the day.

Updated at 17.26 EDT

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