- The new Far North Queensland Regional Plan sets a long‑term strategy to drive housing supply, agriculture, development and construction, mining and resources, tourism and infrastructure.
- Release of Plan marks first new regional plan to be delivered across Queensland under Crisafulli Government commitment, with several other plans currently under development.
- Plan developed in partnership with local councils who were shut out of the regional planning process under Labor.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Far North Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Far North Queensland with a new Regional Plan for the area, setting a clear direction for the region's future and ensuring local councils and communities are no longer ignored after Labor's decade of decline.
The release of the Plan will balance new housing, jobs and economic development with the unique character and lifestyle of Far North Queensland.
The Plan is the first of 13 new Regional Plans across Queensland and was developed in partnership with the region's eight local councils, as part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to resetting the planning partnership with councils who were treated as second class citizens by Labor.
Key highlights of the plan include planning for more than 48,485 additional homes by 2046 and coordinated transport and infrastructure planning for high growth areas including the Mount Peter Priority Development Area, Cairns South State Development Area, and the broader Cairns Southern Growth Corridor.
With Queensland open for business again under the Crisafulli Government, the Plan also identifies new job-creating opportunities to grow agriculture, critical minerals, and tourism and recognises the region's strategic role as a 'northern gateway' for global connections.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the plan was a region‑led blueprint developed in close partnership with local councils and communities, who were ignored during Labor's decade of decline.
"Today we deliver a Far North Queensland Regional Plan developed in partnership, rather than one dictated to them from Brisbane, which became the norm under Labor," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"This is a long‑term blueprint genuinely shaped by local voices and designed to guide growth, infrastructure and jobs across the region for the next 20 years.
"At its core, this Plan is about making sure Far North Queensland is a place of opportunity, by accommodating growth, delivering more housing, supporting key industries, strengthening tourism and driving economic development by creating more jobs now and into the future.
"Local councils have been central to this work, bringing their deep understanding of their communities and helping shape a practical, region‑led plan that they support and are ready to implement.
"This is a Plan the region can be proud of – one that provides confidence and certainty for communities and industry today and leaves a strong legacy for future generations who will live, work and raise families in Far North Queensland."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the FNQ Regional Plan was about making sure Far North Queensland grows in a way that strengthens local communities, delivers new homes, and delivers the infrastructure it needs.
"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," Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the Regional Plan would set the framework to guide all other planning schemes across the state.
"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," Mr James said.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the Plan would provide a vision for the region's future determined at the local level.
"After a decade of Labor decline, this Plan will finally rebuild the Far North with a focus on delivering the regional infrastructure and housing supply we need," Mr Kempton said.
Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Deputy Chair and Etheridge Shire Council Mayor Barry Hughes said the Plan was an indication to what could be achieved when local and state governments worked together with a genuine focus on regional outcomes.
"While the release of the Plan is an important step, the real opportunity now lies in its implementation," Mr Hughes said.
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the State to translate this into coordinated investment in infrastructure, housing and services that support our communities."
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2026 strikes the right balance between fostering growth and preserving the natural assets that make the region so unique.
"From protecting the Great Barrier Reef and our rich rainforests to safeguarding our vital agricultural lands, this plan ensures that Cairns' famous green canopy and environmental treasures will continue to thrive as our community grows," Mayor Eden said.
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti said the plan highlighted the enormous potential for growth in agriculture across the Tablelands region.
"Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Tablelands, and the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2026 provides a clear framework to support sustainable growth in the sector," Mayor Marti said.
The Far North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 includes:
Planning for more than 48,485 additional homes by 2046, equivalent to approximately 1,940 homes each year.
Infrastructure priorities, including transformative transport projects to support economic growth and coordinated infrastructure planning for the Mount Peter Priority Development Area, Cairns South State Development Area, and the broader Cairns Southern Growth Corridor.
Growth opportunities in agriculture, critical minerals, and tourism, including support for eco-tourism and nature-based tourism initiatives.
Recognition of the region's strategic role as a 'northern gateway' for global connections.
Improved policy and targeted urban footprint expansions to facilitate growth and guide future development to areas that can be efficiently serviced.
Policies addressing infrastructure resilience in the face of events such as flooding and cyclones.
To view the plan visit https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/far-north-queensland-regional-plan
