Cost estimates, the need for accelerated and robust planning, and investment from all levels of government to unlock the Southern Growth Corridor and deliver new housing sooner, have been outlined in a report unanimously endorsed by Council today.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce, RDA Tropical North, and Advance Cairns have added their support alongside Master Builders and Access Housing to Council's strategy to development of the 3,300-hectare undeveloped land to the south of the city, located between Edmonton and Gordonvale.
As outlined in Council's Securing Cairns Hosing Foundations briefing paper, the parcel of land has the potential to deliver 18,500 new homes and ease the city's housing crisis.
Independent cost analysis commissioned by Council has identified approximately $450 million in new and upgraded infrastructure is required to facilitate the first stage of the Southern Growth Corridor.
Council is advocating for a tripartite funding arrangement with the State and Federal Governments – $150 million from each – to deliver the infrastructure required to initially service around 3,800 lots and create additional capacity for thousands more.
Pivotal to accelerating delivery of development in the Southern Growth Corridor will be implementation of a Priority Development Area (PDA).
Through the PDA process, Council can work collaboratively with the State Government to bring forward the planning and delivery of infrastructure in the corridor, meaning more new homes in liveable communities can be delivered sooner.
It also strengthens Council's advocacy position to secure the necessary State and Federal Government investment for critical trunk infrastructure.
Amy Eden – Cairns Mayor
"This is the last remaining greenfield site of this scale in our local government area and is a fantastic opportunity for us to create vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities – places that people will want to call home.
"That's why we must get the planning right.
"Implementation of a PDA is the best way to do that and ensures active collaboration with the State Government, as well as landowners, industry and other stakeholders.
"It will also mean that accelerated planning, design and approvals and get shovels in the ground sooner.
"A partnership approach is crucial if we are to deliver well planned, liveable communities that represents a long-term housing solution for Cairns residents.
"Of course, essential infrastructure will be needed support development.
"To fast-track this essential infrastructure and deliver much-needed homes sooner, we are calling on both the State and Federal Governments to contribute $150 million each to this project.
"We welcome the federal LNP's recent announcement of a $33.8 million commitment toward road infrastructure in the Southern Growth Corridor – it's a start.
"However, more will be needed so we'll continue to work closely with the State Government and whoever forms government federally after Saturday's election to secure the funds required for this important priority for our community.
Patricia O'Neill – CEO of Cairns Chamber of Commerce
"Infrastructure investment will be required from all three levels of Government to ensure the Mount Peter Development can be realised.
Cairns Chamber of Commerce will stand shoulder to shoulder with Cairns Regional Council to advocate for this much needed funding.
When we have adequate housing, it signals the potential to attract both private and public investment into other areas such as schools, transport and commercial opportunities to assist in growing our regional economy.
Adequate housing can make the region more attractive to potential employees, especially those who might otherwise not be willing to relocate due to the current housing constraints.
It is essential that as a region, we are taking proactive measures to attract and cultivate a skilled workforce within our own construction sector."
Jacinta Reddan – Chief Executive Officer, Advance Cairns
"State and federal funding to support essential infrastructure is critical if we are to deliver affordable housing sooner and ease the cost burden on our communities."
"The Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor has the potential to address a housing crisis while easing cost pressures on local residents."
Professor Hurriyet Babacan – Chair of RDA Tropical North
"Cairns is facing an unprecedented housing supply gap, and the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to respond.
"As our region's last major greenfield site, its activation is critical to unlocking 18,500 new homes and supporting population growth.
"RDA Tropical North strongly supports this strategic investment, which aligns with our TNQ Economic Development Strategy 2024–2029, and we urge the Federal Government to partner with us now to accelerate delivery and ease the pressure on our community."
Aidan Lang – CEO of Access Community Housing
"Access Community Housing supports Council's efforts to unlock new land for much-needed housing in our community.
"Increasing the availability of land available for development will create opportunities for new homes, ensuring that more individuals and families can find secure and affordable accommodation in Cairns.
"As an organisation committed to providing social and affordable housing, we understand the importance of a long-term strategy to address the housing crisis.
"Securing the necessary infrastructure funding is critical if our community is to benefit from the significant opportunity that the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor represents. Housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of our community, and Access Community Housing supports initiatives that provide a sustainable increase in housing availability.
"Council's push to unlock new land will help ensure that our community has the capacity to meet future housing needs, including a mix of social, affordable, and market housing."
Sharon Vella – Regional Manager Far North Queensland at Master Builders Queensland
"Unlocking land supply through targeted infrastructure investment is vital to addressing the housing shortfall in our region.
"The Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor represents a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed homes at scale – but this potential cannot be realised without urgent funding support from all levels of government.
"We stand with Council in calling on the Federal Government to commit to the critical infrastructure Cairns needs to enable sustainable growth and ensure the region's future liveability."
