More than 4,700 new homes will be unlocked across the Bundaberg Region as part of State Government funding designed to accelerate residential development and help meet growing housing demand.
It’s part of Round 2 of the Residential Activation Fund, with an investment of more than $52 million towards three projects that will deliver the critical trunk infrastructure needed to unlock land for residential development, helping deliver a place to call home for more people.
These three projects benefitted from funding under Round 1 of the Residential Activation Fund to undertake crucial planning work, with the additional funding now ensuring what’s on paper translates into pavement.
The projects:
- More than $38 million will be invested to deliver major road, water and sewer upgrades to 3.6km of Back Windermere Road.
- Over $9.4 million in additional funding will support the construction of a new 2.8km water main, sewer pump station to support further residential development in Elliott Heads.
- In Ashfield, an additional $4.7 million will fund upgrades to local sewer pump stations.
The Residential Activation Fund unlocks housing supply by investing in enabling infrastructure that brings forward new residential development across Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was a clear demonstration of a commitment to building Queensland’s future with a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
“These three projects will unlock more than 4,700 extra places to call home for Queenslanders while supporting growing communities in and around Bundaberg, and demonstrate what’s possible when government partners with councils, landowners and developers to remove barriers to housing,” he said.
“Availability equals affordability and by ensuring supply is unlocked, while also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first homebuyers, we’re delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, and the fresh start we promised them.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the additional funding from the Residential Activation Fund would continue to support the growing region.
“These critical upgrades will be the backbone for further development in the region, ensuring there are more places to call home for Queenslanders,” he said.
“This is exactly what the Residential Activation Fund is designed to do and what the community has been calling out for – we are getting on with removing infrastructure barriers to deliver better communities and get more Queenslanders into their own home.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn said the Residential Activation Fund was a demonstration of the power of state and local governments and the industry working together to deliver meaningful housing outcomes.
“Funding through the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund has been critical in assisting Council unlock new housing opportunities to ensure we can continue to accommodate our growing population,” she said.
“The delivery of essential infrastructure is often one of the biggest barriers to bringing new housing stock to market.
“This funding provides practical support to accelerate development and create the conditions needed for more homes to be built sooner.
“Council is committed to working proactively to address housing availability and affordability challenges. Initiatives such as the Residential Activation Fund play a pivotal role in ensuring local governments have the tools and resources required to support sustainable growth.”
