What’s Happening?
Northern Australia Accommodation Solutions has completed the first phase of its modular accommodation pilot in Moranbah.
The project forms part of NAAS’s plan to produce high-quality, ready-to-use accommodation faster and at greater scale. It uses Australian-certified modular products manufactured overseas and connected after arriving on site.
The pilot complex is located at the Black Nugget hotel motel in Central Queensland. It will provide additional accommodation for workers in Moranbah’s mining sector.
Why It Matters?
NAAS believes modular construction can help meet growing accommodation needs while reducing construction times and on-site waste.
The company plans to use the model for houses, apartments, townhouses, hotels and student accommodation. Other possible projects include aged care accommodation, medical centres and housing for key workers.
NAAS and Sentinel Property Group CEO Warren Ebert said the approach could support government, business and private investment.
“Modular construction is a new way of building faster and better,” Mr Ebert said. “The mission for NAAS is to create top quality, efficient and functional accommodation solutions.”
“These range from hotels to regional key workers’ accommodation on behalf of our investors, government and business. NAAS is helping find solutions for housing projects needed to accommodate the workforce supporting infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics. The Olympics are only six years away.”
Local Impact
Local contractors and suppliers completed the work needed to prepare and connect the motel units.
Their work covered footings, transport, installation, service connections, fencing, landscaping, driveways and footpaths. Local businesses could also receive ongoing maintenance and asset management work throughout the development’s life.
NAAS General Manager Brant Wood said the company works with an experienced manufacturer of modular building products.
“Using an advanced Advantage-Built construction process, the modules are connected on site,” Mr Wood said.
“All supporting works are delivered by local contractors and suppliers. This includes footings, module transport and installation, service connections, fencing, landscaping, driveways and footpaths. This approach accelerates project delivery while supporting local jobs and economic growth. It generates income for local businesses and creates ongoing opportunities for routine maintenance and asset management.”
By The Numbers
- The purpose-built pilot comprises 20 motel units using Australian-certified modular products manufactured overseas.
- NAAS says offshore manufacturing can produce accommodation up to eight months faster than traditional construction methods.
- The motel complex was completed three months after the modular products were shipped to Australia.
Zoom In
NAAS designs its projects with local consultants and considers the needs of each community. The buildings are also designed for Australia’s demanding weather conditions.
“Our projects are designed in partnership with local consultants and shaped by the needs of their communities,” Mr Wood said.
“Every building is engineered to meet the demands of Australia’s toughest environments. They feature cyclone and earthquake-rated designs, with materials selected to withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions. There is no compromise on quality. Our homes exceed Australian compliance requirements while providing long-term durability, safety and comfort for residents. Engaging local consultants, contractors and suppliers also creates meaningful economic benefits for the local community.”
The Moranbah pilot officially opened at the Black Nugget on Friday, 24 July.
Attendees included Gregory MP Sean Dillon and representatives from Isaac Regional Council and Mackay City Council. Mr Dillon is Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland.
Mackay City Council helped facilitate the modular units’ delivery through the Port of Mackay.
Zoom Out
Sentinel Property Group purchased the Black Nugget hotel motel for $8 million in 2022.
The property sits on a centrally located 1.7-hectare site at 81 Mills Avenue, Moranbah. Its surplus land offered potential for residential apartments or extra amenities.
Mr Ebert said NAAS was considering accommodation projects at several existing Sentinel properties across northern Australia. These locations include Casuarina Square shopping centre in Darwin, which is Sentinel’s largest asset.
NAAS also plans to construct display homes in Townsville, Darwin and Mackay.
What To Look For Next?
The Moranbah motel will test how NAAS’s modular construction model performs within a regional mining community.
More projects could follow across housing, tourism, healthcare, aged care and key worker accommodation. Planned display homes will also introduce the modular products to Townsville, Darwin and Mackay.
