The $1.1 million funding allocation will help kickstart addition residential housing projects to those already under way in Cooktown, including the State Government’s Garden Street development. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
A Cooktown subdivision is one of five projects across Far North Queensland to share $18.1 million aimed at kickstarting residential developments that are set to deliver 190 new homes.
The State Government announced on 28 August Cook Shire Council would receive $1.1m towards its Gigers subdivision in Cooktown, with funded works to include the construction of water, sewer and stormwater networks, new roads, and the installation of utilities.
The funding is being delivered through the government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF) and Cook MP David Kempton said it would help unlock much-needed housing in the state’s northernmost electorate.
“The Residential Activation Fund is critical to unlocking more homes in Far North Queensland and easing Labor’s housing crisis,” he said.
The announcement comes less than two months after it was announced five Cape York and Torres Strait local governments – Aurukun Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Torres Shire Council and Cook Shire Council – would also receive RAF funding to fast track residential developments.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said the council welcomed projects that unlocked housing supply in some of the remotest communities in Queensland.
“Housing remains one of the greatest challenges across our region, and we welcome projects that will help unlock new supply and provide more homes for our communities,” she said.
“Cook Shire Council has consistently advocated for greater investment in housing, and it is encouraging to see funding flow to projects that will help unlock much-needed homes for our region.”
Other FNQ projects to be funded through last week’s announcement include the Craiglie residential subdivision near Port Douglas ($6.6m) and the Seaview Estate subdivision at Mission Beach ($5.4m).
