- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, with essential works starting at Central Highfields to unlock over 300 new homes.
- Project backed by the Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, unlocking homes across the state after a decade of decline under Labor.
- Upgrades drive accelerated land supply and deliver essential transport and service infrastructure supporting new residential development.
The Crisafulli Government has accelerated the delivery of major works in partnership with Toowoomba Regional Council to unlock homes for the region and deliver more Queenslanders a place to call home.
Backed by $20.1 million of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, this $22 million project will deliver the roads, services and critical enabling infrastructure needed to bring new land to market sooner and support the creation of new neighbourhoods in Toowoomba's northwest.
Works include new roundabouts on Highfields Road, realigning the Kratzke and O'Brien Roads intersection, raised pedestrian crossings, better walking and cycling links, stormwater upgrades and relocation of water, sewer, power and telecommunications services – providing the vital infrastructure for when families move in.
The Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, a key election commitment delivering a renewed era of housing supply to tackle Labor's Housing Crisis, and ensures communities have the essential infrastructure needed to grow.
Round 1 of the Residential Activation Fund is unlocking more than 98,000 homes through the delivery of trunk and essential infrastructure such as roads, sewerage and power, with Round 2 applications now open to unlock further homes across the state.
At least half of the $2 billion in funding is dedicated to fast-tracking land supply in regional Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the works demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to reversing ten years of Labor under delivery by unlocking housing supply across Queensland.
"Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Labor's decade of decline created Queensland's housing crisis as housing lot approvals fell by 29 per cent leading to record-low vacancy rates.
"Through our landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, we're getting shovels in the ground after a decade where too few homes were built and too much Labor red tape held back supply.
"The new housing supply unlocked through Residential Activation Fund tackles Labor's Housing Crisis head-on, and we are partnering with industry and councils to deliver for all Queenslanders.
"This $20.1 million investment in new roads and upgraded trunk infrastructure under the Residential Activation Fund will bring forward land supply and support the development of new residential areas in Central Highfields.
"Today, we're delivering the enabling infrastructure needed to support Toowoomba's continued growth."
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the project would play a vital role in meeting the needs of a growing region, ensuring new neighbourhoods had the infrastructure required to support future homes.
"The Crisafulli Government is working to get Queensland building again, with essential infrastructure being delivered now so more homes can be brought to market sooner to support the region's rapid growth," Mr Watts said.
"Delivering this essential infrastructure would help ease housing pressures by bringing new land to market sooner, ensuring more Queenslanders can access a place to call home."
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald said the start of works was an important step for Central Highfields and the wider community.
"Putting this essential road, water and sewer infrastructure in the ground means new homes can be delivered sooner, which is exactly what our growing region needs," Mayor McDonald said.
"These works will help us keep up with housing demand, support local jobs and make sure new neighbourhoods are well-connected and ready for families."
Round 2 of the fund is now open, and local governments and landowners with eligible projects are encouraged to review the guidelines and prepare their applications.
