The Queensland Government has released a plan for the future of North Queensland, setting out its 20-year vision and strategic direction for the region, focused on strengthening housing and economic growth while aligning infrastructure needs.
The Government says North Queensland is projected to need an additional 26,700 new homes by 2046, equivalent to about 1,335 homes per year.
The draft North Queensland Regional Plan includes a draft North Queensland Infrastructure Plan, linking land use and infrastructure planning to support coordinated planning for transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure, said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie.
“The North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan, when finalised, will focus on what really matters to this region – delivering the homes, infrastructure, services and jobs communities need into the future,” said Mr Bleijie.
“We are resetting the planning partnership with Councils, giving them a seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping their region’s future.
“North Queensland is a diverse and economically significant region that plays a vital role in keeping Queensland moving, and this plan will help support its strengths across agriculture, resources, tourism, logistics and emerging industries.
“Land use planning will also include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to local government and industry feedback.
“This means better coordination for future infrastructure needs across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.
“The draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan provides certainty for councils, industry and the community for decades to come.”
Charters Towers Mayor and NQROC Chair, Liz Schmidt said North Queensland’s councils welcomed the release of the draft Regional Plan and the focus on strengthening the partnership between state and local government to plan for the region’s future.
“Good regional planning is about more than identifying where growth will occur. It is about ensuring housing, jobs and infrastructure are planned together so communities remain liveable, connected and economically strong,” Mayor Schmidt said.
“I encourage councils, industry and community members to review the draft and provide feedback to help ensure the final plan reflects local knowledge and delivers practical outcomes that support sustainable growth across North Queensland over the next 20 years.”
Townsville Mayor, Nick Dametto encouraged residents to have their say through the public consultation process.
“We live in a fantastic part of the world, and as our region grows, we need to make sure we protect the lifestyle and opportunities that make Townsville special,” Mayor Dametto said.
“Council is committed to working with the Queensland Government to plan for the housing, infrastructure and services our growing community needs, while keeping Townsville a place we can all be proud of.”
Public consultation for the draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 will run until Tuesday 29 September.
Submissions will be considered in finalising the plan to ensure it meets the priorities of local communities across the region.
To view the 105-page draft plan and provide feedback, visit www.planning.qld.gov.au/north-queensland-regional-plan.
