- Southern Downs to benefit from Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
- Residential Activation Fund to deliver $2.4 million towards 3 critical projects.
- At least half of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund dedicated to fast-tracking regional housing projects.
- Queenslanders have now seen 11 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government, after 10 years of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government will unlock up to 300 new homes in the Southern Downs region with three critical projects set to be fast-tracked under its landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie today announced funding of $2.4 million for three projects approved under the Residential Activation Fund in the region.
The Residential Activation Fund is delivering $1.34 million for trunk infrastructure at Goondiwindi's Parkridge Estate, including upgrades to 4.4km of electrical mains, as well as a $800,000 contribution to the Southern Downs Regional Council for detailed design of water and sewer infrastructure to accommodate more growth in West Warwick, which will support critical regional development activities and unlock 300 new homes.
Goondiwindi Regional Council will also benefit from $75,000 from the Residential Activation Fund for detailed design to upgrade capacity and performance requirements of a sewage pumping station and rising main which will futureproof the station for years to come.
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.
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 giving more Queenslanders a place to call home after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"This $2.4 million investment in the Southern Downs will fast-track three critical projects and unlock more than 300 much-needed homes for Queenslanders and ease Labor's Housing Crisis.
"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 Southern Downs James Lister said the Crisafulli Government's investment would help ease the housing pressures the region had been experiencing for far too long.
"I welcome this new investment by the Crisafulli Government because any assistance we can give to local governments to open up more blocks for more housing is a great thing," Mr Lister said.
"Our region has been hardest hit by the housing crisis and our government, instead of just talking about the problem, is doing what will have the best effect to increase the housing supply."
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton thanked the State Government for recognising the strategic importance of the Southern Downs.
"The Southern Downs is a region on the rise, growing faster than the Queensland average, and I thank the State Government for recognising the Southern Downs' strategic importance to population growth in South East Queensland," Mayor Hamilton said.
"It's great to see the Queensland Government working in partnership with local governments to design and deliver the infrastructure that will support long-term growth.
"Continued investment in the region will create opportunities for families, support local businesses and strengthen the future of our community."
Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Lawrence Springborg thanked the Crisafulli Government for the significant initiative of the Residential Activation Fund.
"The Residential Activation Fund is already making a big difference in helping local governments across Queensland meet the cost of critical infrastructure associated with meeting current and future housing needs," Mayor Springborg said.
"This funding complements the existing incentives and strategic work Council has been doing to support the region's continued growth."
