- $350,000 in funding approved under the Scheme Supply Fund's Pathway 2 program.
- Streamlined housing approvals to fast-track new housing in Cairns.
- Announcement forms part of the Crisafulli Government's promise to deliver more Queenslanders their dream of home ownership.
The Crisafulli Government has approved $350,000 in funding for Cairns Regional Council to accelerate housing development and integrate resilience planning into the region's growth strategy.
The funding, delivered under Pathway 2 of the $12.5 million Scheme Supply Fund, will remove regulatory barriers, streamline development applications, and address critical natural hazard risks in the Cairns region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the investment demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to addressing housing affordability and increasing housing supply across regional Queensland.
"We are focused on cutting red tape and partnering with local governments like Cairns Regional Council to deliver practical solutions to local housing challenges," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"This funding will see faster approvals for housing developments and a clearer path for builders and developers, ensuring more homes are delivered where they're needed most.
"It's all part of the LNP Government's plan to deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders."
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden welcomed the new funding support.
"This funding will deliver amendments to the Cairns Plan 2016 in the short term that will support housing in the region and ensure our planning scheme provides for safe and resilient development to natural hazards," Mayor Eden said.
"It will also give Council the tools we need to streamline housing approvals and remove unnecessary red tape, delivering real, practical support for our growing community."
"It's about more than just speeding things up - it's about planning smarter. These improvements will ensure new housing in Cairns is delivered faster and built with resilience and long-term sustainability in mind."
"We thank the State Government for this funding commitment and for their partnership in unlocking more homes for Cairns. It's a strong step forward in delivering housing that meets the needs of our city today and into the future."
Barron River MP Bree James welcomed the additional support.
"The LNP is delivering new homes and addressing housing affordability challenges for local families."
Mulgrave MP Terry James acknowledged the important partnership with council.
"Unlike Labor, the LNP is focused on working with local councils to unlock more land for new homes."
The funding will enable Cairns Regional Council to review and amend its Planning Scheme, focusing on streamlining housing approvals by improving the workability of assessment categories, reducing unnecessary application requirements, and removing duplication between planning and building approvals. These changes will not only facilitate faster approvals but also reduce costs for both developers and the community.
