Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, flanked by Far North Queensland MPs and mayors, announces which councils will have housing projects fast-tracked as part of an $89 million commitment through the State Government’s Residential Activation Fund in Cairns on 17 July. Photo: Supplied.
An $89 million investment in fast-tracking remote and regional housing has been welcomed by Far North Queensland mayors.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who also holds the state development, infrastructure and planning portfolios, was in Cairns on 17 July to announce eight northern councils – including five on Cape York and in the Torres Strait – would benefit through the State Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF).
Round one funding will focus on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure needed to unlock new remote residential developments, including water supply, sewerage, stormwater and roads.
In the far north of the state, projects will be delivered in partnership with Aurukun Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council and Torres Shire Council.
Cook MP David Kempton welcomed the announcement and said the 10 projects funded in his electorate would ultimately deliver more than 2,200 homes.
“I’m really pleased to have received funding for 10 critical projects within my Cook electorate, with the projects set to unlock more than 2,200 homes,” he said.
Aurukun Mayor Barbara Bandicootcha said the RAF would deliver a “critical” subdivision in the western Cape York community, while her NPARC opposite number, Mayor Robert Poi Poi, said the funding was vital to the region’s remote housing ambition.
“NPARC, like most remote communities, struggles with the cost of living and the cost to develop infrastructure and community facilities, and it is vital that we obtain funding to develop our community and make it a place that is welcoming and accommodating for local people to grow and practice their cultures,” he said.
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said her council’s share of the funding would help it develop the Lakeland master plan.
“This is a major step toward unlocking more new homes and supporting growth in the area in line with council’s Lakeland master plan,” she said.
“It’s an important milestone that lays the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth in one of Queensland’s key agricultural regions.”
The RAF has received 178 submissions to date – 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland, and 64 from the south-east corner of the state.
The Deputy Premier said “this partnership with local councils will transform the housing landscape in regional Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home”.
“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,” he said.
