- North Queensland to benefit from the Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
- Residential Activation Fund to deliver $53.5 million towards three critical projects to unlock more housing.
- At least half of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund dedicated to fast-tracking regional housing projects.
- Queenslanders have now seen 10 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government, after 10 years of decline under Labor.
More than 6,250 new homes will be unlocked in North Queensland with the delivery $53.5 million for three critical projects in the Burdekin, which will be fast-tracked under the Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a $33 million boost 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.
Under the former Labor Government, housing lot approvals slumped by 29 per cent, leading to record-low rental vacancy rates and a skyrocketing social housing waitlist across Queensland.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund has received 178 submissions – 64 from South East Queensland and 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government's 2025-26 Budget is delivering up to $1 billion for round one of the RAF, doubled from the original $500 million, in response to the overwhelming support and availability of shovel-ready projects.
Round one funding focuses on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure needed such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads needed to unlock new residential developments and ease Labor's Housing Crisis.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan and is breaking down the barriers for infill and greenfield developments.
The Fund will deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders and support one million new homes by 2044 with at least 50 per cent of the overall funding to be invested in regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Residential Activation Fund was set to unlock thousands of new homes across Queensland.
"After a decade of neglect, the Crisafulli Government is reversing Labor's Regional Housing Crisis by giving more Queenslanders a place to call home," Deputy Premier Bleijie said "The Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is set to fast-track the delivery of three projects in Burdekin unlocking 6,250 much-needed homes for Queenslanders.
"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.
"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."
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," Cr 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 to unlock critical housing supply 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," Cr 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," Cr Dalle Cort said.
"The ultimate goal is to enable faster construction of new homes, improve housing options, and increase supply across the Shire."
