Push to fast-track housing

Delivering critical infrastructure in the Southern Growth Corridor is key to unlocking new housing sooner, with funding now being sought to bring projects forward.

Cairns Regional Council is seeking Queensland Government support of just over $45 million through Round 2 of the Residential Activation Fund (RAF) to help deliver trunk infrastructure.

Council’s application seeks funding for works including a new trunk water main, wastewater line and pump station upgrades, and critical transport intersection upgrades.

These works would remove immediate constraints to housing delivery while laying the foundations for future stages of development across the corridor.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said unlocking more housing was vital for the future of the Cairns community.

“We know housing remains one of the biggest pressures facing our community,” Cr Eden said.

“People across Cairns are feeling it, whether it’s young people trying to get into the market, families needing more space, or older residents looking to downsize.

“Land isn’t the issue in Cairns. The barrier is essential trunk infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and the roads and intersections needed to support growth.

“This is where the State can make a real difference, by partnering with us to bring that infrastructure forward and accelerate supply.

“This is about Cairns getting its fair share, removing barriers, and making sure we’re ready for growth.”

The proposed works build on Council’s ongoing investment in developing the Southern Growth Corridor, including the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project and the Mount Peter High Level Reservoir.

Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said land use and infrastructure planning is already being fast-tracked through the Mount Peter Priority Development Area (PDA).

“We have a unique space between Edmonton and Gordonvale that is available for residential development, but to have housing we need the trunk infrastructure,” Cr Moller said.

“This is a strategic planning exercise – first we worked with the State Government to have the area declared a PDA. Now we need more investment to deliver the infrastructure needed to kick-start development, creating homes in liveable communities.

“Council’s application to Round 2 focuses on a discrete, prioritised package of infrastructure works which can be delivered within three years and will directly unlock more housing.

Division 2 Councillor Matthew Tickner said history tells us that when all levels of government work together, we achieve the best outcomes for the community.

“Our submission for $45 million will allow us to provide essential infrastructure to unlock up to 2,400 new homes,” Cr Tickner said.

“The proposed works have been identified as the critical next tranche of infrastructure required to remove constraints and enable housing delivery within the Southern Growth Corridor.

“Importantly, the works also lay the foundation for further development in subsequent stages.

“Beyond building more houses, we’re supporting the delivery of new communities, with services and infrastructure planned and led by relevant authorities.”

Council has worked closely with developers and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) to agree on a package of works that will most cost-effectively unlock the greatest number of homes and allow development to proceed.

FNQ Branch President UDIA Queensland Nathan Lee Long said funding through the Residential Activation Fund is a necessary step to securing increased housing for Cairns.

“I congratulate the Crisafulli-Bleijie Queensland Government for their introduction of the program and the opportunity for this application,” Mr Lee Long said.

“The identified infrastructure is a starting point to reigniting housing supply in Mount Peter and Cairns more broadly however the work can't stop there.

“Housing delivery in Mount Peter started 10 years ago and has stalled due to the limitations on existing trunk infrastructure. Once housing supply has been reignited, Cairns cannot afford for supply to stall again. That's why funding programs like the RAF are vitally important and should be established as permanent programs.”

Council has also acknowledged and thanked local State and Federal Members, along with industry, and community stakeholders, for their support in securing a coordinated three-tier funding approach to deliver the infrastructure needed for more homes in Cairns.