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Boral Invests in Perth Land for Housing Supply Boost

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ests-in-perth-land-for-housing-supply-boost.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 8:34 GMT by The West Australian
      Locale: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Perth, WA - February 4th, 2026 - Boral, one of Australia's leading suppliers of building and construction materials, is aggressively seeking industrial land in Perth, signaling a significant bet on the future of Western Australia's housing market. The move comes amidst a prolonged and severe housing supply crisis that continues to drive up costs and delay crucial development projects. Boral's expansion isn't just about capitalizing on current demand; it represents a strategic attempt to fortify the entire WA housing supply chain.

Andrew McDowall, Boral's Western Australian General Manager of Aggregates, confirmed the company is "actively seeking landholdings" suitable for new quarries, processing facilities, and associated trucking infrastructure. This expansion focuses on increasing aggregate production capacity - specifically limestone and other essential materials for concrete - crucial for keeping pace with the burgeoning construction activity. The scale of the operation Boral envisions requires substantial land parcels, capable of housing extensive quarry operations alongside the necessary processing and logistical components.

"We're looking for sites where we can be as efficient as possible and minimise impact on the surrounding community," Mr. McDowall stated, highlighting Boral's commitment to responsible development. This acknowledgement of community impact is increasingly important, as land scarcity pushes development closer to residential areas, demanding careful environmental and social consideration.

The timing of Boral's expansion is inextricably linked to Western Australia's current housing predicament. For years, WA has struggled with a persistent housing shortage, exacerbated by factors like population growth, labor shortages in the construction sector, and supply chain disruptions - issues that have become amplified globally. This shortage has led to a dramatic increase in construction costs and significant delays in project completion, frustrating both developers and prospective homeowners.

Experts predict the shortage won't be a short-term issue, anticipating years of constrained supply. Boral's investment, therefore, is viewed as a proactive step towards alleviating some of the pressure on the supply chain. By increasing local production of aggregates, the company aims to reduce reliance on potentially volatile external sources and ensure a more consistent flow of essential materials to construction sites.

However, the very pursuit of land in the Perth metropolitan area presents its own challenges. Suitable industrial land is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Competition from other industries, coupled with the growing demand from residential developers, is driving up prices and making it difficult to secure appropriate sites. The availability of land that meets Boral's criteria - sufficient size, suitable geological characteristics for quarrying, and proximity to transport networks - is further constrained.

Beyond Perth, Boral has indicated a willingness to explore further expansion opportunities in other parts of Western Australia if demand remains strong. This suggests the company sees the current housing boom not as a temporary blip, but as a sustained trend. The state government's ambitious infrastructure projects, coupled with ongoing population growth, are expected to fuel continued demand for building materials for years to come.

The implications of Boral's expansion extend beyond simply increasing the supply of aggregates. It represents a vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of the Western Australian economy and the housing market. Furthermore, a more robust and reliable supply chain will be crucial for delivering affordable housing solutions and supporting the state's broader economic growth. However, successful execution will depend on Boral's ability to navigate the complexities of land acquisition, manage community expectations, and maintain a commitment to sustainable practices. The coming months will reveal whether Boral can successfully translate its expansion plans into tangible benefits for the WA housing market and cement its position as a key player in the state's construction industry.