Construction activity jumps by almost 60 per cent

31/8/06
Western Australia recorded a 57.6 per cent jump in the value of construction activity in the June quarter 2006, compared with the same period a year earlier, latest ABS figures show.
Treasurer Eric Ripper today said the increase was largely due to a massive 93.7 per cent rise in the value of engineering work, while the value of building work rose by 16.7 per cent.
"The rise in the value of building work was due to an increase in both non-residential activity, which was up 34.5 per cent in the June quarter 2006, and residential activity, which grew by 6.1 per cent," Mr Ripper said.
The total rise in the value of construction activity in the June quarter 2006 was 15.7 per cent - the highest increase in Australia. Nationally, the rise was just 3.6 per cent, with falls recorded in South Australia and Tasmania.
Meanwhile, retail turnover figures have WA recording the highest growth rate in the nation, with a 2.8 per cent rise in the three months to July 2006. Nationally, the growth rate was just 1.5 per cent.
The Treasurer said the figures were good news for the economy but again warned against complacency.
"The challenge for governments and business is to make wise investment decisions now, to ensure the good times last," he said.
"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for tomorrow, not just for today.
"Initiatives to drive further economic growth include four rounds of tax cuts worth $3.3billion, a massive $18.1billion building program and new measures to further diversify the WA economy."
Treasurer's office - 9222 8788