Quality workers who go to Saudi or the Gulf ------- get paid enormous money.
that would put the cost of building into the stratosphere.
If we think first ------------ what is the problem we are trying to solve?
1. Housing people
2. Housing people at affordable cost
then there are additional problems
3. lack of trades - think future as well as present
the idea of running Oz like the examples you gave - is worthy of thought ------------ but, there are huge differences between the areas and MUST be factored in
the Gulf nations have more cash than one can poke a stick at - they don't baulk at LOTS of zeros on the end of an idea.
For Oz - you are talking about housing to normal people - who just can't shut their eyes and think - 'oh, 2 mil to build a tiny cottage - bargain 'we'll include accommodation and a merc for you as well.' - oh and tax - don't worry about that one, we'll just sell off another 10 barrels