Tasmania is exploring the potential of 3D-printed housing, following a recent trade mission to the United States led by Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
During the mission, Rockliff met with ICON, a company responsible for the world’s largest 3D-printed community.
“With their ability to deliver fully permitted homes in just a few weeks, this is the type of innovation Tasmania needs to harness as we work to delivering our goal of 10,000 more social and affordable homes,” Rockliff said.
“I’ve tasked the Department of State Growth to work with industry and training providers to further this innovation in Tasmania.”
Local industry leaders have embraced the idea, suggesting Tasmania should explore alternative approaches beyond conventional construction methods, but warned we still need more tradespeople to be able to do fit-outs inside the homes.
Rockliff’s mission to Washington State and Texas also secured new agreements in the maritime, renewable energy and technology sectors.
Pivot Maritime, based in Legana, has been awarded a US Navy contract for portable simulators worth an initial $1.75 million.
A Strategic Cooperation Agreement was also signed between Washington State and the Tasmanian Government.
Other highlights of the mission include partnering with Corvus Energy, who are supplying Incat with batteries for their world-leading fully electric ferry.
Discussions were held with the US Coast Guard to promote Hobart as a key port for resupply and maintenance of vessels servicing the Antarctic Region.
During his time in Washington, Rockliff also gifted Governor Jay Inslee his first pair of Blundstone boots, straight from the Tasmanian icon’s first flagship store on the United States’ West Coast – which opened last week.
The annual value of Tasmanian exports to the US market for the year ending July 2024 was $388 million.
