The Queensland Government has announced it will deliver $41.8 million for 14 critical infrastructure projects which will help unlock 363 new homes in Western Queensland under its $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The projects will be delivered in partnership with Balonne Shire Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Bulloo Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council and Quilpie Shire Council.
“Just months after record-breaking, widespread rainfall and flooding left a path of destruction in Western Queensland, the Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund has delivered a $41.8 million investment set to fast-track the delivery of 14 projects, unlocking 363 new homes,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie.
“This partnership with local councils will transform the housing landscape in regional, rural, and remote Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home.
“The Residential Activation Fund is just one way the Crisafulli Government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to manage population growth, address housing affordability and protect the lifestyle of local communities.”
Balonne Shire Council Mayor, Samantha O’Toole said the Residential Activation Fund would fast-track the delivery of two much-needed local developments.
“As a rural Council, we are heavily reliant on grant funding from other levels of government and this funding will provide the essential infrastructure required to develop additional housing in our Shire,” Mayor O’Toole said.
“We understand that dealing with the housing crisis in our State will take collaboration from all levels of government and we commend the Queensland Government for taking direct action with this provision of funding from the Residential Activation Fund.”
Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor, Rob Chandler said the Residential Activation Fund would help address housing shortages in Barcaldine.
“This project will help unlock new housing opportunities, supporting the growth and liveability of our region,” Mayor Chandler said.
Bulloo Shire Council Mayor John Ferguson said the Residential Activation Fund would support the long-term growth of Bulloo.
“We are grateful to the Queensland Government for recognising the needs of rural and remote communities and backing projects that will boost longevity into our region,” he said.
The 14 projects include:
- Construction of civil infrastructure and stormwater drainage around a new residential estate development in St George;
- Detailed design activities for a new large-scale residential subdivision within the Balonne Shire;
- Specific infrastructure planning for the development of the Bauhinia Street lot in Barcaldine;
- Extension of essential power and water infrastructure within Jundah;
- Stormwater drainage infrastructure and footpaths on Charles Street from Albert Street to Arthur Street in Tambo and on Arthur Street from Charles Street to Garden Street and Queen Elizabeth Street;
- Land for a residential estate to enable new housing to be built in Boulia Township;
- Sewerage infrastructure in Thargomindah to support the town’s expanding population;
- Critical trunk infrastructure along Sams and Frew Streets in Thargomindah to enable residential development;
- Completion of road, drainage, and civil infrastructure to service a residential subdivision in Bedourie;
- Extension of McMaster Drive in Ilfracombe including construction of new road, stormwater drainage improvements, and reticulated water infrastructure;
- Detailed design and cost estimates for the delivery of sub development plans for Kestrel Street;
- New trunk infrastructure for water, sewer, stormwater, and roads for the Roma Police Paddock subdivision;
- Construction of essential road, stormwater, and water infrastructure for a residential subdivision in Quilpie;
- Critical trunk infrastructure to unlock the Aurora Estate Subdivision in Charleville.
Diamantina Shire Council Mayor, Francis Murray said the funding agreement would deliver critical infrastructure to unlock development-ready land owned by Council.
“The project will enable housing supply in a remote region where the private market alone cannot overcome delivery constraints,” Mayor Murray said.
Longreach Regional Council Mayor, Tony Rayner said the Residential Activation Fund would deliver critical infrastructure in Ilfracombe.
“This investment will unlock six residential lots that have remained inaccessible since 2009, helping to stimulate local development,” Mayor Rayner said.
“We’re proud to be taking proactive steps to meet the needs of our growing community, and we’re very grateful to the Queensland Government for making this kind of essential planning work possible.”
Maranoa Regional Council Mayor, Wendy Taylor said the Residential Activation Fund would accelerate the delivery of a development critical to the Maranoa.
“Housing costs present challenges for families and makes it hard for our region to attract essential workers including teachers, medical professionals, and childcare workers. This has a much wider effect on liveability than just housing,” she said.
“As a local government, the Maranoa does not have the capacity to independently fund solutions and the funding through the Residential Activation Fund makes it possible.”
Murweh Shire Council Mayor, Shaun Radnedge said the Residential Activation Fund opened the door to a new estate in a flood free area.
“This announcement opens the door to 65 housing blocks in a new estate in a flood free area, offering our residents an opportunity to invest and build out of the flood-prone area to make our community more resilient,” Mayor Radnedge said.
“This decision by the Crisafulli Government offers an invaluable housing development future for the Murweh Shire.”
Quilpie Shire Council Mayor, Ben Hall said the funding commitment marked a pivotal milestone in realising Quilpie Shire’s long-term vision.
“Originally approved in August 2014, the development of a rural residential estate in Quilpie has been a foundational element of Council’s strategic planning—affirmed in the adopted 2018 Planning Scheme,” he said.
“This investment unlocks the next phase of a decade-long blueprint, enabling the construction of up to 30 additional dwellings and strengthening Council’s Q1000 objective to restore the Shire’s population to 1000 residents.
“The Residential Activation Fund does more than deliver housing – it brings a lasting plan to life.”
