- The Crisafulli Government is unlocking 1,600 homes to fix Labor's Housing Crisis, with essential upgrades commencing on road infrastructure in Townsville.
- $105 million allocated to priority projects across North Queensland to accelerate housing supply, as part of the Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering more Queenslanders a place to call home after the former Labor Government shut aspiring first home buyers out of the housing market.
Critical infrastructure works are underway to unlock 1,600 new homes in Townsville as the Crisafulli Government continues to deliver its commitment to fix Labor's Housing Crisis and unlock new housing supply to deliver more Queenslanders a place to call home.
Backed by a $14.7 million investment from the Crisafulli Government's landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, the project is part of $105 million approved for priority projects across North Queensland to accelerate housing supply.
The project will improve access between Woolcock Street and Weston Street, delivering road infrastructure needed to facilitate new residential development in Townsville's fast-growing northern suburbs.
The project will upgrade the existing intersection by adding traffic lights, street lighting and pedestrian crossings on all four approaches, as well as new culverts, stormwater drainage, signage and pedestrian barrier fencing, improving safety, access and traffic flow while supporting the delivery of new housing in the northern suburbs.
The Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, unlocking housing supply and ensuring communities have the infrastructure needed to grow after the former Labor Government's decade of decline.
At least half of the $2 billion in funding is dedicated to fast-tracking land supply for housing in regional Queensland.
Round 2 of the fund is now open and due to close on Friday, 24 April. Local governments, developers and landowners with eligible projects are encouraged to review the guidelines and prepare their applications.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said delivering critical infrastructure was essential to drive housing supply and ease housing pressures after a decade of decline under Labor.
"The Crisafulli Government is pulling every lever we can to address Labor's Housing Crisis because Queensland needs more homes and projects like this to ensure communities have the roads and services required to support new housing," Mr Bleijie said.
"By removing infrastructure barriers for councils and developers, we can help unlock residential land, support industry to deliver new homes sooner and ease pressure on housing availability.
"Through our landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, we are getting shovels in the ground within a matter of months and delivering more land to build new homes.
"The new housing supply unlocked through Residential Activation Fund addresses housing challenges head-on, and we are partnering alongside industry and councils to deliver for all Queenslanders.
"This sod turn in Townsville is literally paving the way for new communities to grow, unlocking around 1,600 residential lots and supporting the continued growth of the region.
"This is in addition to our landmark Land Activation Program in Pimlico, increasing supply of a range of housing types into the market, which will help put downward pressure on property prices.
"When government works in partnership with councils and industry, instead of riding roughshod over them like Labor did, we can deliver more homes, quicker, for Queensland families."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said growing demand and decreasing availability was driving up house pricing in Townsville after a decade of Labor neglect.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in the regions and unlocking land, resulting in more homes being built sooner," Mr Baillie said.
"This investment will provide more North Queenslanders the opportunity to call Townsville home."
Member for Mundingburra and Assistant Minister for North Queensland Janelle Poole said the Townsville community deserved the infrastructure to match its rapid growth, which was exactly what this investment delivered.
"This isn't just about housing supply. We're also delivering the roads, drainage and safety upgrades that make these new developments possible," Ms Poole said.
"It's about supporting Queensland's regional and rural communities and delivering the housing that they need."
Member for Thuringowa, Natalie Marr said this project was a win for the local area.
"The Residential Activation Fund will provide improved and safer access to unlock more homes in the region and deliver a place for Queenslanders to call home," Ms Marr said.
Parkside Development Managing Director Michael Tapiolas said the project highlighted the importance of government and industry working together to unlock housing supply.
"Partnerships like this are what make large‑scale housing delivery possible," Mr Tapiolas said.
"This intersection upgrade is enabling infrastructure for Cosgrove Estate, supporting the long‑term growth of Townsville and allowing us to bring new residential lots and homes to market sooner for local families."
