Qld residential activation fund to deliver $89m for Far North housing developments

A number of Far North councils have been guaranteed funding to unlock new housing development, the deputy premier will announce on Thursday, but a key LGA was noticeably missing.

A number of Far North councils have been awarded infrastructure funding to unlock new housing developments, the Queensland government will announce on Thursday.

But the region’s largest local government – Cairns Regional Council – was not included in the deputy premier’s first round of funding announcements for the state’s far north.

The state government’s $2bn residential activation fund will allocate $89m across eight councils for 16 projects to deliver 2998 homes.

The fund helps local governments build trunk infrastructure at infill and greenfield sites, and it had received 178 submissions, including 114 from regional, rural and remote areas.

Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie has announced $89m in housing infrastructure funding for eight Far North councils. Picture: Liam Kidston

Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said his government was delivering its election commitment by funding shovel-ready housing projects in the Far North.

“This partnership with local councils will transform the housing landscape in regional Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The residential activation fund is just one way the Crisafulli government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to manage population growth, address housing affordability and protect the lifestyle of local communities.”

Local governments within David Kempton’s electorate of Cook are among the recipients.

“I’m really pleased to have received funding for 10 critical projects within my electorate, with the projects set to unlock more than 2200 homes,” he said.

Funding will be used to build homes at Eaton Estate, Innisfail

Funds were also announced for local governments in Hill, including Tablelands Regional Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the money would be used to deliver homes at Daradgee and the Eaton residential estate.

Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti said the investment would not only address housing challenges but also boost local jobs and economic development.

“We are proud to work alongside the Queensland government to deliver on this important initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for our community,” Mr Marti said.

Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti has welcomed funding for housing development from the Queensland Government.

Northern Peninsula Area Mayor Robert Poi Poi thanked the Queensland government for the investment in much-needed housing.

“NPARC, like most remote communities, struggles with the cost of living and the cost to develop infrastructure and community facilities and it is vital that we obtain funding to develop our community and make it place that is welcoming and accommodating for local people to grow and practice their cultures,” Mr Poi Poi said.

The state government’s 2025-26 budget increased the residential activation fund to $1bn for round one, doubled from the original $500m, in response to a reported overwhelming support and availability of shovel-ready projects.

Project partnerships are with Aurukun Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Tablelands Regional Council.

Originally published as Qld residential activation fund to deliver $89m for Far North housing developments