Lismore Temporary Housing Project

In February 2022, East Lismore, NSW, was hit by an unprecedented flood, forcing 10,000 people out of their homes and making 4000 homes uninhabitable. As a result, people had to find shelter in their cars, caravans, tents, garage floors, evacuation centres or live with family and friends.

Compounded by the housing crisis experienced prior to the flood, the community needed an innovative and urgent solution to get people into safe and secure housing. In response to the dire housing situation, a significant commitment of $285 million was made towards the implementation of a Temporary Housing Support Package, aimed at providing essential rental support and housing solutions for families adversely affected by the flood in the Northern Rivers region. A substantial portion of this funding, totalling $115 million, was allocated to the construction of six temporary housing villages. These villages were designed to offer a lifeline to the flood-impacted families in the region, offing them accommodation while their homes were either repaired or rebuilt.

Recognising the pressing need to respond promptly and effectively to the large number of displaced families, the NSW Department of Corrections and Community Service took on the challenge of finding a quick and scalable solution. Prefab temporary housing, akin to those utilised by mining companies for FIFO workers, emerged as an obvious solution to the problem.

The project was awarded to Hutchinson Builders (Hutchies) and Highline Roofing, partners of Ausdeck Building Systems (then Ausdeck Group). Having worked with Ausdeck on the QLD Government’s Well Camp Facility, Hutchinson Builders had the confidence Ausdeck could provide a one stop shop solution to supply the right materials for the job, fast. The modular construction phase was a remarkable feat, encompassing the construction of 732 homes and attached patios, in just 5 months.

To ensure the rapid and efficient assembly of the prefab modular homes, Ausdeck delivered the building materials in kit form, ready for construction. In just 10 weeks, Ausdeck manufactured, packed, and delivered 23,000 sq/m of insulated panel, 17,000 l/m of flashings, 25,500 l/m purlins, 2,700 l/m of lightweight beam, 2,700 l/m of gutter, and 2,000 l/m of powder-coated posts. This enabled the smooth and timely construction of 732 modular homes and patios.

Choosing a product that was quick and easy to install was a key criteria for the construction of the modular homes. Ausdeck’s insulated roofing panel was selected for its versatile, custom-manufactured, all-in-one design, serving as roofing, insulation, and ceiling in one solution. Its user-friendly tongue and groove joining system, impressive spans, and excellent thermal properties made it an ideal product for the modular project.

Ausdeck’s swift manufacturing, precise packaging, and timely delivery capabilities played a pivotal role in the successful completion of the East Lismore housing project. This project exemplifies Ausdeck’s commitment to providing efficient solutions in critical situations, making us a preferred partner for major endeavours requiring precision and speed.