AUSTRALIA’S efforts to tackle the housing crisis have suffered a setback, with 2024 recording the weakest year for higherdensity home starts since 2011.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals overall home building activity ended the year on a weak note, with new starts falling 4.4 per cent in the December quarter.
Detached house starts declined by 6 per cent, while higher-density starts slumped 7.6 per cent.
Master Builders Australia chief economist Shane Garrett said the lack of activity in the higher-density segment was impeding
rental affordability and broader housing targets.
“Higher density home building has been stuck at a low ebb for years, and the insufficient output of new stock here is a major culprit when it comes to deteriorating affordability in the rental market,” Mr Garrett said.
“The performance of higher density home building will be pivotal in determining whether or not we meet our Housing Accord targets.
“Today’s figures show that the struggle has got even tougher on this front.”
Renovation activity provided one of the few bright spots, rising 1.5
per cent in the December quarter and up 4.3 per cent year-on-year.
“This could be a sign that people are opting to renovate over building a new home,” Mr Garrett said.
Total new home starts rose modestly by 2.2 per cent to 168,300 in 2024, driven by a 7.6 per cent increase in detached houses.
Higher-density starts, however, fell 5.4 per cent over the year.
Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn added that Australians continue to do it tough.
“Housing remains the single biggest pressure point for families across the country.”
Home Renovation
No pressure to be the cleanest house in the neighbourhood....
HAVE your windows lost their shine? Is your driveway covered in mould or grime? Or maybe your shed—inside and out—is long overdue for a clean? These areas can be easy to ignore, but they make a huge difference to your home’s appearance and feel. When time is tight or the job seems too big, Adam from Adam’s Pressure Washing is ready to help. Servicing homes and businesses across the hinterland, Adam offers expert pressure washing,
cleaning. His work not only improves the look of your property but brings back a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. From dirty driveways and gutters to solar panels, fly screens, and rooftops, Adam’s attention to detail ensures lasting, high-quality results. Winter is an ideal time to get these jobs done. With cooler weather and less humidity, it’s perfect for pressure washing and preparing your property for the months ahead. Adam
it makes for people. “It’s more than just cleaning—it’s about renewing a space and creating a brighter, healthier environment.”
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, Adam offers free, no-obligation quotes and custom solutions to suit your needs. With reliable service and visible results, you can leave the hard work to him.
Call Adam’s Pressure Washing today on 0437 732 628 and give your property
Home Renovation
IF you have ideas on giving your home a facelift, sprucing up the garden, or tackling those longoverdue maintenance jobs, then R&R Hire Services has everything you need to get the job done efficiently and ordably.
Open seven days a week, this family-run and community focused business offers a vast and ever-growing range of hire equipment to suit every need. Proudly serving North Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast since 1991, R&R Hire Services has built a reputation for reliability,
Sunshine Coast locals rewarded for referrals
Special offer from Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal
SUNNY Coast residents now have a chance to win Gold Class movie tickets or a $100 Coles gift card simply by referring a mate who needs a tree removed.
Local business Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal has launched a limited-time referral initiative, offering rewards to customers who help spread the word. If a referred friend books a job with the company before the end of July and mentions your name, you’ll be gifted your choice of two Gold Class tickets to Kawana Event Cinemas or a $100 Coles gift card — no strings attached.
Wayne said, “We’re
locals too, and this is just a way to say thanks to the community for the continued support. Whether it’s a backyard tree removal or a full property clearance, we’re fully insured, highly experienced, and ready to take it on.”
The team at Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal
services the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas, with a reputation for professional, reliable service and competitive pricing.
The referral offer is valid until the end of July, so time is ticking for those who want to take advantage of the rewards. All that’s required is for the referred customer
quality, and exceptional customer support.
Since taking over in 2007, current owners Ian and Jillanne are committed to providing friendly, hands-on service to everyone from professional builders and tradespeople to DIY homeowners.
Whether you’re embarking on a large-scale renovation or a weekend gardening project, the R&R team is always ready to offer expert advice and guidance.
Popular hires include excavators, bobcats, kanga loaders, and chippers—all available with their own
trailers. Equipment can be picked up from their Caboolture yard or delivered directly to your site.
“R&R Hire offer great service, are well stocked, and really good at addressing my needs. And always willing to go the extra yard - it’s why I keep going back,” says happy customer Brian. Explore their full range online on their easy to use website at www.rrhire.com. au, visit them in person at 66–68 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture, or call 5495 8683 to speak with a friendly team member.
Paint your place well with local expertise
PAINT Place Beerwah is a long-standing, awardwinning local business that has proudly supported the Hinterland community for over 20 years. Owned and operated by Anthony Austin, who brings a lifetime of experience in the paint industry, the store has built a solid reputation for quality products, professional service, and trusted advice. Together with his dedicated, long-term team, Anthony has helped countless locals with projects big and small — from home renovations to large-scale commercial jobs.
As a local resident and business owner, Anthony understands the importance of supporting local enterprise. That’s why Paint Place Beerwah proudly operates under the motto, “Buy Local – Support Local.” Conveniently located at Shop 3, 28 Simpson Street, on the corner of Pine
shop, offering an extensive range of premium paint
suit every budget. The store carries
nishes
industrial, marine,
computer colour
Australian-owned
easy parking right out front, making your visit hasslefree. Paint Place Beerwah is truly a one-stop painting
Haymes, Concept, Norglass Marine, and Luxury Paints,
team for tailored solutions and expert recommendations.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional painter, or just starting your
Paint Place Beerwah
Visit them Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm, or call 5439 0999 for more information.
Tactical power
Good old-fashioned service combined with modern electrical
Thinking about upgrading your home’s power or starting a new electrical job? Whether it’s upgrading to underground power, wiring up a shed or going energy independent, Tactical Power is ready to lend a hand—with reliable service and solid advice you’ll remember.
Locally owned and run by Dan Farrell, Tactical Power has earned the trust of customers right across the region. With over 40 years on the tools, Dan and his team know what it takes to get the job done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
Tactical Power covers a wide area—from the
Lockyer Valley to the South Burnett—bringing good, honest workmanship and expert advice to every home, farm, or business they visit.
They’re not just your average sparkies, either.
From basic wiring to full setups, solar batteries, EV charging, renewable energy, home automation, and even stand alone systems, Tactical Power offers custom solutions that are built to suit your lifestyle and your land.
And when it comes to choosing the right gear or tech, Dan and the crew speak plain English—no jargon or hard sell. Just straight-up advice to help
you make the best choice for your needs now and down the track.
What drives them? For Dan, it’s seeing happy customers.
“The best part is seeing the look on someone’s face when we finish a job—knowing everything’s running how it should, and they feel confident about the work we’ve done,” he says. So whether you’re setting up a new shed, upgrading your homestead, or getting ready for the future with energy-smart options, give Tactical Power a call. They’ll treat your job like it’s their own.
Open Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm.
“I’ve had the Tactical Power team handle all my electrical work over the years at my Kilcoy place, and I couldn’t be happier with their service. They recently installed a home battery system for me, and from start to finish, their advice was honest and explained in plain English. Dan didn’t use pressure selling on me he just gave me straight facts and clever solutions. As with all their work everything was done to a high standard and with great attention to detail. Communication was clear and continuous throughout the entire process, so I always knew what was happening and why. Most importantly, they turned up when they said they would which is always a challenge out this way. I highly recommend Tactical Power for anyone looking for reliable, competent, and trustworthy electricians” - STEVE COFFEY, KILCOY RESIDENT
