A joint $2.4 billion housing infrastructure funding deal is expected to pave the way for 51,000 new homes in Queensland.
The state-federal deal will target the construction of new roads, water and sewerage works in at least three identified Priority Development Areas (PDAs): Mount Peter, Southern Thornlands and Waraba.
Federal Housing Minister Clair O’Neil says 50,000 new homes will be built statewide with 21,000 reserved for first home buyers.
“Australians see a housing system stacked against them and we want to help them out; we want them to get ahead, we want them to do it in a home of their own,” she told a press conference in Brisbane on Monday.
“We’re investing in the boring but essential infrastructure like roads and sewerage that help us unlock more homes because the more homes we build, the more affordable housing becomes.”
Canberra is giving $2 billion ($399 million in grants and $1.6 billion in zero-interest loans) with Queensland matching the grant funding.
PCA PLEASED BY HOUSING DEAL
Property Council of Australia Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire says the funding deal is “pleasing”.
“The key now is to get on site quickly to start delivering the infrastructure that makes those homes possible – roads, water and essential services – so more Queenslanders can get a place to call home,” she says.
Ms Caire said the focus of the funding on three PDAs shows the scale and pace of growth across the state.
“Investment in these critical growth fronts through enabling infrastructure like roads, water and sewerage is what unlocks new housing supply in the places that need it.”
16,000 MORE HOMES FOR WARABA
Moreton Bay Council believes the funding will pave the way for more than 16,000 new homes at Waraba, west of Caboolture, by mid-2034.
Mayor Peter Flannery says that Waraba is expected to eventually be home to 70,000 residents.
“With our population expected to grow to one million over the next 30 years, I can’t express enough how vital funding like this is when it comes to unlocking housing supply,” he says.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with all levels of government, as well as industry, to help bring much-needed housing to market.”
• Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says: “Availability equals affordability and by providing funding to get the vital infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage and power in place, the builders can get building.”
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