- The Crisafulli Government is pulling every lever to unlock land for housing after a decade of housing failures under Labor.
- Six Residential Activation Fund construction projects are delivering critical infrastructure to support more than 2,700 new homes in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
- At least half of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund dedicated to fast-tracking infrastructure, unlocking new homes in regional Queensland.
- Round Two of the landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund has been doubled from $500 million to $1 billion following the success of Round One.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to unlock a place to call home for more Queenslanders and address Labor's Housing Crisis, with major Residential Activation Fund (RAF) projects now underway or complete across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
Critical infrastructure projects are underway in Mirani, Marian and Rural View, with six RAF projects delivering roads, sewer, stormwater and utilities to support new residential development across the region.
These projects are removing key infrastructure barriers and unlocking new homes for local families, workers and communities.
The six Mackay and Whitsunday projects include:
- Construction of a new trunk road connecting Norwood Parade and Reed Street in Rural View to support residential growth in Mackay's Northern Beaches.
- Upgrades to Wallmans Road to transform it to an urban standard, including drainage, footpaths and essential water, sewer and electrical infrastructure.
- Road and intersection upgrades, stormwater infrastructure and a new sewer pumping station at Riverbend Estate in Mirani.
- A regional sewer pump station, culvert upgrades and stormwater infrastructure to support the Nabilla Meadows residential development in Marian.
- Construction of over 4.8 kilometres of new water mains to support residential development in Proserpine.
- A new sewer rising main, sewer gravity main, sewage pump station and a water main for more housing in Cannonvale.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is a major component of the Queensland Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, ensuring essential infrastructure is in place so communities can properly plan for growth.
The milestones come as the Crisafulli Government announced the next round of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund would be doubled from $500 million to $1 billion, following the success of Round One and overwhelming interest by Councils and industry.
It is now the second time RAF funding has been doubled to cater to demand for the enabling infrastructure and the homes it delivers, fast-tracking the delivery of a place to call home for more regional Queenslanders.
The Residential Activation Fund has already unlocked more than 98,000 homes across 98 projects throughout the State, with thousands more homes now slated to get underway soon to address Labor's Housing Crisis.
The Crisafulli Government received even more submissions for Round Two – 209 submissions, with 73 in South East Queensland and 136 from regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said after a decade of Labor's housing failures, the Crisafulli Government was pulling every lever available to unlock land and get more homes built for Queenslanders.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in the roads, water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and support growing communities," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Labor left Queensland with a housing crisis, declining housing approvals and too many shovel-ready developments stuck waiting for infrastructure.
"These projects are proof that our Residential Activation Fund is delivering real outcomes on the ground and helping bring more homes to market sooner.
"We are working hand-in-hand with councils and industry to remove barriers to development and ensure Queensland has a strong pipeline of new housing for years to come."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the RAF was helping regional communities meet growing housing demand while supporting the workforce that underpins the local economy.
"The Whitsundays is one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional areas, and this investment means more local families and workers will have access to the housing they need without sacrificing the lifestyle that makes our region so special."
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the Crisafulli Government was investing in the critical infrastructure needed to unlock more homes, support local jobs and ensure Mackay could continue to grow.
"After a decade of Labor failing to keep up with regional growth, the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering the roads, water and sewerage infrastructure needed to bring more homes to market sooner."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Crisafulli Government was ensuring regional communities were not left behind by investing in the infrastructure needed to unlock new housing opportunities.
"Regional Queensland deserves its fair share of investment, and that's exactly what the Crisafulli Government is delivering by removing the infrastructure barriers that have held back housing growth for too long," Mr Kelly said.
"This is about creating more opportunities for families to build a home and a future in communities like Mirani."
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the investment would help bring forward development in Mackay.
"Mackay is a growing region, and projects like this are critical to making sure we have the infrastructure in place to support new homes and future growth," Mayor Williamson said.
"By removing key infrastructure barriers, we can bring forward development and deliver more homes for local families sooner."
