- More than $25.7 million in funding to fast track over 110 new homes in Western Queensland.
- Residential Activation Fund has now unlocked more than 174,000 places to call home for Queenslanders.
- The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor saw Queenslanders locked out of the housing market as vacancy rates plummeted to record-lows.
The Crisafulli Government is continuing to unlock housing supply quickly across Queensland, with the Residential Activation Fund unlocking more than 110 new homes in Western Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government will invest $25.7 million across four projects to deliver critical trunk infrastructure needed to unlock land for residential development, helping deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders in the outback.
The investment includes:
- More than $16.7 million for the Boulia Residential Subdivision Trunk Infrastructure Project, delivering roads, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, unlocking 33 new homes.
- More than $1.7 million for the Sesbania Street Residential Infill Subdivision in Winton to deliver roads, water, sewer, stormwater, electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, unlocking eight new homes.
- More than $4.5 million for the Mimosa–Orchid subdivision in Blackall, delivering road, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, unlocking 18 new homes.
- $2.82 million invested in Tara to strengthen water infrastructure supporting residential development, including construction of a bore and 1,050 metres of raw-water pipeline unlocking 58 new homes.
This investment will help remove infrastructure barriers to new housing and support the continued growth of Western Queensland, unlocking capacity for more than 110 new homes.
The Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government's plan to unlock housing supply by investing in enabling infrastructure that brings forward new residential development across Queensland.
The award-winning program has now unlocked capacity for more than 174,000 homes statewide, helping deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
This latest investment brings the total funding from the Residential Activation Fund to more than $67.5 million for Western Queensland, unlocking around 480 homes across 18 projects.
The Residential Activation Fund is just one of the Crisafulli Government's range of initiatives delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, including:
- More than $2 billion in joint Federal and State funding to unlock 51,000 homes, including 20,000 for first home buyers.
- Releasing underutilised State land for housing under the landmark Land Activation Program.
- Relief for first homeowners with $30,000 First Home Owner Grants continuing and locked into the Budget.
- Supporting first home buyers by removing stamp duty on new builds.
- Introducing a nation-leading Boost to Buy shared equity scheme to help reduce the deposit gap, with half of the up to 2,000 places reserved for regional Queenslanders.
- Increasing rental availability by lifting subletting restrictions for homebuyers receiving grants and concessions.
- Delivering 1 million homes, including a record pipeline of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was a clear demonstration of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to building Queensland's future with a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
"The Crisafulli Government's Residential Activation Fund is pulling every lever to increase housing supply, because you can't build homes without the roads, water and sewerage infrastructure to support them," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, we're getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure needed to unlock new housing opportunities across the whole State.
"This project will unlock more than 110 places to call home and support the residential growth in Western Queensland. This investment demonstrates what's possible when government partners with councils, landowners and industry to remove barriers to new housing.
"The Crisafulli Government has already unlocked more than 174,000 new places to call home through the Residential Activation Fund after Labor's decade of decline, which saw housing lot approvals slump by 29 per cent, leading to record-low rental vacancy rates, a skyrocketing social housing waitlist and the lowest home ownership rate in the country.
"More affordable housing starts with more supply. While also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first homebuyers, we're delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders."
Minister for Local Government and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the Tara project would support the growing community while delivering practical benefits for local families.
"Regional Queensland deserves its fair share of investment, and that's exactly what the Crisafulli Government is delivering by removing the barriers that have held back housing growth during Labor's decade of decline," Minister Leahy said.
"This is about creating more opportunities for families to build a home and a future in Tara, while supporting local businesses, jobs and future investment."
Member for Gregory Sean Dillion said the investment would help unlock new housing while supporting Western Queensland's continued growth.
"After years of Labor failing to keep up with Queensland's growth, the Crisafulli Government is working with councils and industry to get the infrastructure in place and get more homes built," Mr Dillon said.
"This investment will break down the barriers to housing for so many people and families in Western Queensland, by delivering the roads, sewers, stormwater, electrical and telecommunications infrastructure needed to get houses out of the ground."
Blackall–Tambo Regional Council Mayor Andrew Martin said the project would deliver essential infrastructure to support future residential development in Blackall.
"Creating new housing opportunities in regional communities starts with delivering the road, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure needed to support them," Mayor Martin said.
"We have already seen the benefits of RAF investment in Tambo, where the Charles Street and Arthur Street project will be delivering new kerb, guttering, stormwater drainage and footpaths.
"We appreciate the Queensland Government's support through the Residential Activation Fund and its continued investment in the future of the Blackall–Tambo region.
"The Mimosa–Orchid subdivision will help prepare more land for residential development and support the families and workers who contribute to the growing Blackall community."
Boulia Shire Council Mayor Rick Britton said the project would build on earlier planning and move Boulia's residential subdivision into construction.
"Growth in a remote community like Boulia doesn't happen without strong partnerships, and we genuinely appreciate the confidence being shown in Boulia and the Outback and the investment being made in our region," Mayor Britton said.
"The Residential Activation Fund is more than an investment in housing - it's an investment in the future of Boulia.
"New residential opportunities help us attract families, workers and businesses and provide the foundation for continued economic growth."
Winton Shire Council Mayor Cathy White said the project would deliver essential services to support critical residential development in Winton.
"Strong regional communities need the right infrastructure in place to support new housing and long-term growth," Mayor White said.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the funding would help support future housing opportunities in Tara.
"The Western Downs is a growing, thriving region known for its enviable liveability and strong investment appeal," Mayor Smith said.
"To support our vibrant communities and diverse economy, we need reliable infrastructure that can keep pace with growth.
"Western Downs Regional Council welcomes the $2.82 million investment in the Tara Desalination Plant project, which will strengthen local water infrastructure and help support future residential development."
