Queensland’s $2bn Push Opens New Housing Front

Queensland has begun rolling out its $2-billion Residential Activation Fund, naming the first projects in a statewide push to accelerate housing supply. 

Four works in the City of Moreton Bay will receive $45.8 million to help deliver 10,300 new homes, including almost 9000 in the Waraba Priority Development Area. 

The fund’s round-one budget was doubled in the state budget from $500 million to $1 billion to bring forward shovel-ready infrastructure.

In Waraba, works will include a new Caboolture River bridge and a key section of the Bellmere Road Corridor Upgrade between River Drive and Dobson Lane. 

A new residential community is planned for Woodford.

Waraba, declared a Priority Development Area in August 2024, covers 3000ha and is planned for 30,000 homes and 70,000 residents. 

About a quarter of the housing will be affordable or social, with the precinct expected to support 17,000 jobs.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Bellmere Road upgrade would be a “game-changer” for the city.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the funding would help meet urgent demand.

“As south-east Queensland’s fastest growing city with 240 new arrivals each week, we urgently need new homes,” Flannery said.

▲ City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says funding will help meet urgent housing demand in the region.

The Residential Activation Fund received 178 submissions—64 from south-east Queensland and 114 from regional, rural and remote areas—targeting water, sewerage, stormwater and road upgrades to unlock housing supply.

Waraba is also receiving $16 million from the SEQ City Deal Growth Area Compact Fund for Bellmere Road upgrades between Ulster Drive and River Drive. 

The $150-million Catalyst Infrastructure Fund, announced in the budget, will accelerate trunk works across the state, including in Waraba.