Govt to spend $280m on regional housing

Three Western Australian companies have been selected by the state government to install factory-built houses worth over $280 million in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Perth-based builders Quality Builders and T&R Homes had been awarded the building tenders, along with Murray River North in Pinjarra.

Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts today announced the first stage of the government's project to purchase, transport and install quality factory-built houses in regional Western Australia.

The first stage will see up to 60 houses constructed in the Kimberley and the Pilbara with 36 of those for government employees.

Mrs Roberts said the quality transportable homes could be delivered and constructed in 22 weeks, compared with traditional construction which could take up to a year.

"These dwellings can be constructed in the supplier's yard in as little as 16 weeks, then transported to site and installed in about six weeks.," Mrs Roberts said.

She added that the value of the homes were over $70 million per year over a four-year program.