David Crisafulli announces $1bn social housing pledge for regional Qld at Bush Summit 2024

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has used the Bush Summit to make a major election pledge with a $1bn housing guarantee for regional Qld should he win in October.

Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has made a major pledge just two months out from the election. Picture Lachie Millard

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has promised to spend $1bn on boosting housing and infrastructure in regional Queensland if elected in October.

The housing announcement, dubbed the “Regional Infrastructure Guarantee” was made at today’s Bush Summit in Townsville, where Mr Crisafulli is due to give a keynote address.

The $1bn commitment will come from an existing $2bn infrastructure fund pledged by Mr Crisafulli two months ago as part of the LNP’s major housing policy pitch heading into the election.

Funding will be divided based on project merit, with councils invited to pitch their infrastructure needs to the LNP.

Mr Crisafulli said he had already had some “very good discussions” with regional mayors, but would not be drawn on specific projects earmarked for funding.

“It could be a bridge which connects a whole heap of lots that otherwise the viability is not there because of that capital cost,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“It might be an upgrade to a sewer treatment plan to build capacity in an existing area.

“It can be as simple as street lighting, anything is on the table.”

Mr Crisafulli said his plan was to help get Queenslanders into housing sooner.

Councils will also be free to choose their own project investment percentage, with no set funding split conditions tagged to the $1bn pool.

The LNP housing plan includes abolishing stamp duty for first home buyers investing in new builds, and a $165m shared equity scheme for those saving for their first home.

The Opposition has also committed to keeping Labor’s new stamp duty concession threshold of $700,000 for first home buyers.

“With half of our state living outside Brisbane, we’ll guarantee at least half of this fund is invested in our regions,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Without housing, we can’t secure the services our regions need, we can’t secure the doctors, nurses, police and teachers our regions need.

“Police, teachers, doctors and nurses are leaving the regions because the housing they need isn’t available.

“Our plan will get Queenslanders into homes sooner and ensure we deliver the homes regional Queensland needs over the next 20 years.”