- The Crisafulli Government has launched public consultation for the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, with a supporting infrastructure plan.
- Release of draft plan marks major step towards $31.3 million commitment to deliver 13 new regional plans across Queensland within four years.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its $31.3 million commitment to deliver 13 new regional plans, with Far North Queenslanders encouraged to have their say on the future for their region.
The Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan - developed in partnership with the region's eight local governments - is a blueprint to ensure Far North Queensland's growth delivers the housing, infrastructure, and jobs where they're needed.
The Far North Queensland Plan sets a target of delivering 48,485 additional homes by 2046, equivalent to around 1,940 homes each year.
The draft plan includes the recently declared Mount Peter Priority Development Area (PDA), which is set to unlock up to 18,500 homes in Cairns's southern suburbs by 2046.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future, and a fresh start to the relationship with local Queensland councils, who were ignored and shut out of the regional planning process by the former Labor Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government was bringing local voices back into the regional planning process.
"Labor's approach to regional planning was about dictating from Brisbane and telling Councils what to do rather than listening to local communities," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Under the Crisafulli Government, we are resetting the planning partnership with Councils, giving them a seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping their region's future – something they didn't have under Labor's decade of decline.
"The Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan will focus on what really matters to this region – delivering more housing supply, supporting key industries, strengthening tourism and driving economic development.
"This is the most ambitious program of regional planning Queensland has ever seen and provides certainty for councils, developers, and locals for decades to come.
"With the population in the Far North expected to grow to around 380,000 people by 2046, now is the time for locals to have their say.
"For the first time, land use planning will include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to industry and local government feedback and in line with our election commitment.
"We need the local community to help us ensure this plan supports growth, by telling us where and when housing and infrastructure is needed, and protecting what makes Far North Queensland so special."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the draft plan's release was a chance for locals to shape how our region develops over the coming decades.
"This draft Regional Plan is about making sure Far North Queensland grows in a way that strengthens our communities, supports new homes, and delivers the infrastructure we need," Ms James said.
"Far North Queenslanders know better than anyone what makes this place special, and this plan puts our voices at the centre of decisions about housing, jobs, and infrastructure."
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the Regional Plan would set the framework to guide all other planning schemes across the region.
"We are very excited that the Deputy Premier has chosen the Far North Queensland Regional Plan as the first of many Regional Plans to be developed by the Crisafulli Government," Mr James said.
"For the first time in many years, it will give locals the ability to have a say in the long-term direction of their region and develop a platform for new industries and housing opportunities."
Member for Cook David Kempton said the plan would provide a vision for the region's future determined at the local level.
"This plan is a welcome response to rebuilding the far north region after a decade of Labor's decline, made all the more exciting as it is underpinned by the delivery of regional infrastructure with an emphasis on the regional road network," Mr Kempton said
UDIA Queensland Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Chessher-Brown said the Far North Queensland Regional Plan heralded the next generation of regional planning for the state.
"A growing state needs integrated land use and infrastructure planning, and today's release is the first step towards securing that right across the state," Ms Chessher-Brown said.
"Regional planning is an opportunity for a conversation about growth and the amplification of a region's natural assets and economic future.
"The property industry looks forward to engaging with the eight councils and state government in reviewing the draft Plan and ultimately, ensuring the implementation delivers for the region and current and future communities."
Local leaders welcomed the release of the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, which was development in partnership with the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Douglas, Etheridge, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal, and Yarrabah Councils.
Mareeba Mayor and FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils Chair Angela Toppin said the release of the FNQ Regional Plan marked an important milestone for the region.
"We are grateful for the State's collaborative approach with councils, and we look forward to implementing the initiatives that will create lasting economic and community benefits," Cr Toppin said.
The draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 sets out a long-term vision for the region and includes:
- A clear land-use framework to guide growth and housing supply, supported by infrastructure to 2046.
- The Mount Peter PDA, which is set to unlock up to 18,500 new homes, plan for better infrastructure, including transport, schools and community facilities, and support local jobs.
- Regional infrastructure policies and future planning considerations across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.
- Support for economic growth in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, defence, marine, and aerospace industries.
- Prioritisation of resilience in infrastructure networks, including upgrades to critical transport and freight corridors.
Public consultation for the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, including the draft FNQ Infrastructure Plan 2025, will run until 5 January 2026.
Submissions will be considered in finalising the plan to ensure it meets the priorities of communities across the region.
To view the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 and provide feedback, visit www.qld.gov.au/fnqregionalplan
