The end of the brick and tile dream

I wrote this letter to the editor of the West Australian Newspaper in early January in response to an article on the shortage of bricks in WA, the land of double-brick homes. They didn't publish it.

The West Australian Government should be applauded for their attempts to diversify housing construction methods (Is it over for brick and tile dream?, West Australian 04th January).

However, the Government would be negligent if it failed to recognise Hemp houses as an option.

Hemp houses are the ultimate solution to the problem of rising housing costs and construction delays in WA.

Hemp is a natural product; it is environmentally friendly; produces no toxic by-products and is fully recyclable. It is thermally efficient resulting in lower heating costs. It absorbs sound and is non-flammable.

Most importantly, the first crops could be available within just four months.

Hemp Homes could be the future.