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.