The Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund is set to deliver $53.5 million for three critical projects to deliver more than 6,250 new homes in the Burdekin region.
The Fund will see $33 million go towards the $35 million Build Bowen South – Utilities project which will deliver a brand new 30km sewer main, five new sewage pump stations, and the upgrade of existing infrastructure to support both greenfield and infill housing developments within the Whitsunday Regional Council.
The Fund will also deliver a $20 million boost towards the $30 million Elliot Springs Ridge Crossing which involves the construction of a brand new road, water and sewerage infrastructure to provide critical access to Precinct 2 within the Elliot Springs master-planned community in Townsville, and a $500,000 boost towards the Burdekin Housing Activation Planning project to unlock more land for housing in Ayr.
“These partnerships with local councils and private landowners will transform the housing landscape in regional, rural and remote Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin, Dale Last said the investment would deliver long-term benefits for local families and communities.
“The former Labor Government’s decade of decline left places like Bowen with zero residential vacancies, forcing teachers into caravan parks as the housing affordability crisis deepened. The Crisafulli Government is cutting through the barriers to keep families in our region and attract workers to support our community,” Minister Last said.
“By delivering this infrastructure, we’re making sure that housing supply in North Queensland keeps pace with population growth so that young people can afford to stay and raise a family here.
“This investment will unlock thousands of homes and give young families the certainty they need with a place to call home.
“Every new home means more tradie jobs, more business for local suppliers and more confidence in our region’s future.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins said the investment would unlock the next stage of growth for the Whitsundays providing backbone infrastructure to enable more than 960 dwellings over the next decade.
“This funding partnership ensures we can deliver the utilities that underpin livable communities, support housing affordability, and help families put down roots in our region,” Mayor Collins said.
“We’re grateful to the Crisafulli Government, and to our local Member Dale Last, for recognising the pressing need for housing in the Whitsundays and backing Council’s efforts to deliver real solutions.”
Townsville City Council Acting Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney welcomed the investment in Townsville’s southern growth corridor.
“Townsville is one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland, which is why investment like this by the State is so important, as it helps developers and local governments get new lots and new houses out of the ground faster,” A/Mayor Greaney said.
“It’s a sign the State Government and the development industry are both invested in the growth of our region.”
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort said the Council would work with experts to unlock the potential of strategically identified areas to deliver ‘shovel-ready’ outcomes.
“By removing uncertainty, expediting approvals, and providing clarity on the cost and timing of essential infrastructure, the project will streamline the delivery of future housing,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“The ultimate goal is to enable faster construction of new homes, improve housing options, and increase supply across the Shire.”
