Villaboard for External Cladding

G'day.
I am replacing the gable end cladding on my house as the previous owner decided to render it (badly), which looks like thick, swirly (cracked), cake frosting, a total eyesore.
Couldnt get the render off the marine ply boards, so had to remove the whole
lot - ouch.
I never want to see render again: even the less obvious stuff. The house is timber and dosent really suit render anyway. I wanted weatherboards but the cost is prohibitive as I would have to do the front of the house to match, which I dont want to do. So I want a flat painted look on the gable ends, which wont catch the eye. Blueboard needs to be rendered apparently.
I was thinking of using villaboard and using the exterior grade flushing compound used on blueboard, for the joints ( I cant stand those pvc joint strips). I know that you can use VB in bathrooms but can it be used externally (painted)?

thanks


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