- Mackay and Whitsundays to benefit from Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
- The Residential Activation Fund is delivering $41.66 million towards 8 critical projects.
- At least half of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund dedicated to fast-tracking regional housing projects.
- There has now been 10 months of delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders under the Crisafulli Government, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government will unlock more than 2,900 new homes in Mackay and the Whitsundays with construction of several critical infrastructure projects set to be fast-tracked under the landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The Premier today announced funding of $41.66 million under the Residential Activation Fund will support the construction of several critical infrastructure projects in Mackay and the Whitsundays which will unlock 2,977 new homes.
The eight projects include:
Whitsunday Regional Council ($9.7 million) - construction of a new sewer rising main, sewer gravity main, water main, and sewage pump station to unlock more land in Cannonvale.
Whitsunday Regional Council ($5.65 million) - construction of 4.8km of water mains to unlock more greenfield land in Proserpine.
Nabilla Meadows Estate ($8.01 million) - a master-planned residential community in Marian which will require a new sewer pump station, culvert upgrades, and stormwater detention basin.
Mackay Regional Council ($7.58 million) - Norwood Parade/Reed Street Connection which is a missing link of road in the suburbs of Beaconsfield and Rural View.
Mackay Regional Council ($6.55 million) - upgrade of Wallmans Rd in Rural View from a rural road to an urban road.
Mackay Regional Council ($387,800) - detailed design for an upgrade of three sewage pump stations in West Mirani, including water main.
Mackay Regional Council ($312,000) - detailed design for an upgrade of a water main to service extra growth in Sarina.
Riverbend Estate Mirani ($3.4 million) - key infrastructure including major external roadworks and intersections, new stormwater basin, and sewer network including pump station.
The former Labor Government locked Queenslanders out of the housing market as housing lot approvals slumped 29 per cent, which led to record-low 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 Residential Activation Fund - 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 and remote Queensland.
Premier David Crisafulli said unlocking homes in Mackay and Whitsundays would deliver more regional Queenslanders a place to call home and help ease Labor's Housing Crisis.
"The Residential Activation Fund is about one thing – building the critical infrastructure to unlock more housing and deliver more Queenslanders a place to call home, sooner," Premier Crisafulli said.
"We are fast-tracking the critical infrastructure regional Queensland needs to grow after they were ignored during Labor's decade of decline.
"By removing the roadblocks and getting homes built quicker, we are setting up future generations and ensuring more Queenslanders can unlock their dream of owning their own home."
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.
"The Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is delivering for Mackay and the Whitsundays with a $41.66 million investment set to fast-track eight critical projects and unlock much-needed housing for Queenslanders," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government is giving more Queenslanders a place to call home sooner including the Whitsundays – one of Queensland's fastest growing regional areas.
"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."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the Crisafulli Government's Residential Activation Fund was supporting regional economic stability in Queensland.
"Home ownership is a significant milestone in a person's life, and our region is a wonderful place to call home," Ms Camm said.
"The Whitsunday economy depends heavily on industries like tourism, agriculture, and resources, which need a stable, local workforce.
"Housing is needed to attract and retain workers, and the Residential Activation Fund supports regional economic stability by ensuring workers have somewhere to live.
"More jobs and more affordable housing is great news for our Whitsunday community."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the funding would unlock housing in the Mackay region for future generations.
"This announcement is great news for growth in our region, opening up more areas where people can live," Mr Kelly said.
"By funding the supporting infrastructure to enable growth in Marian, Mirani, and Sarina this will open up the door for people who want a lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of Mackay but still be close enough to continue working in the city.
"The next generation are going to be the main beneficiaries of this as more houses are built, with more opportunities for houses in the outlying areas of Mackay where more housing is desperately needed to ensure that we have the frontline workers in the region."
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the Whitsundays was one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland and that brought both opportunities and challenges.
"The Whitsundays is the fastest growing Local Government Area in regional Queensland, and that means we need to deliver infrastructure ahead of demand," Mayor Collins said.
"This funding from the Crisafulli Government ensures we can keep pace with growth and give more families the chance to call our region home. Council is always ready to partner with the State to make these projects happen.
"Through our Build Whitsundays program, projects like the Cannon Valley Growth Corridor and the Proserpine Urban Expansion will provide the critical water and sewer infrastructure that allows developers to bring new housing to market sooner.
"Housing is the key to unlocking the Whitsundays' full potential, and we thank the Government for recognising the importance of regional investment."
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a tremendous investment in the future of Marian, Mirani and Sarina - opening the door for families to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while staying closely connected to Mackay's economic opportunities.
"The Norwood Parade and Reed Street connection will make a real difference for the Northern Beaches, helping ease congestion and improve daily commutes for thousands of residents," Mayor Williamson said.
"It also supports flood immunity to essential community facilities, including cyclone shelter at Northern Beaches State High School.
"Upgrading Wallman's Road and planning for future water and sewer infrastructure ensures we're ready for the growth that's coming and doing it in a smart, sustainable way.
"The Riverbend Estate investment shows what's possible when government and private developers work together to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need."
