A new planning initiative will help shape and guide future growth in Gracemere with better services, community spaces and stronger, more connected communities through a joint Rockhampton Regional Council and Crisafulli Government project.
The new South Gracemere Local Area Plan (LAP) will assess areas with existing housing, land with outstanding development applications, and residential land with no current development applications; and plan and outline future residential, business and infrastructure needs. The completed plan will provide a guide for future development and infrastructure investment and ensure that community services, facilities and open spaces also grow in step with new development to retain Gracemere's lifestyle appeal and character.
The Rockhampton region has recorded a steady population rise of around two per cent over the past eight years, with Gracemere emerging as one of the region's fastest-growing areas. It's part of a growing trend across Australia, as more people choose to move from capital cities to regional communities.
The South Gracemere Local Area Plan is part of Council's response to the housing crisis and commitment to work with State Government to plan and deliver new residential developments across the Rockhampton Region.
Around 300 new dwellings are expected to be brought to the market over the next 2 years with a further 2,203 new lots approved across the region.
In 2025, Council received over $27 million through the Crisafulli Government's Residential Activation Fund to deliver new priority infrastructure to support housing and residential development.
The South Gracemere Local Area Plan is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council. Detailed analysis for the Local Area Plan will begin in the coming weeks with community consultation and stakeholder engagement to occur from mid-May.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams:
"We know our region is growing and with that growth we need to plan properly. This masterplan is about making sure we are ready for what comes next.
"Housing is a real issue across the region and Gracemere plays a critical role in meeting future housing demand.
"By clearly identifying infrastructure need and development opportunities, this plan will give the industry confidence to deliver a broader mix of housing for our community.
"The plan will also make sure Gracemere continues to be a great part of the Rockhampton region that families and business want to be part of."
Quotes attributable to Planning and Regulatory Services Portfolio Councillor, Grant Mathers:
"Gracemere is entering an important period of change, and this plan will help guide how the suburb develops over the next 20 to 30 years.
"It sets a clear framework for where homes, jobs and essential infrastructure should go, while protecting the lifestyle and character that residents value.
"It's encouraging to see this work underway and the right foundations being put in place to ensure growth brings lasting benefits to Gracemere and the wider Rockhampton region."
Quotes attributable to Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland
"Gracemere is one of Queensland's fastest‑growing communities, and this Local Area Plan will ensure that growth is supported by the right homes, the right infrastructure, and the right services.
"The Crisafulli Government and Rockhampton Regional Council are working in partnership to help bring hundreds of new homes to market faster and ensure our region has the infrastructure it needs to support a growing population.
"We're taking practical steps to boost housing supply across Queensland, and the South Gracemere Local Area Plan is a great example of that work in action."
