Townsville Enterprise call for focus on housing crisis ahead of state elections

A North Queensland property developer agrees the housing crisis is one of the most pressing concerns for the region, asking for state government intervention to help build more homes.

Glen Maidment, managing director of Maidment Development, said the only thing standing it its way of developing more than 3000 lots was trunk infrastructure. Picture: Matt Taylor

A high-profile property developer says he strongly agrees with Townsville Enterprise that the housing crisis is one of the most pressing concerns for North Queensland ahead of the state elections.

Townsville Enterprise has proposed a $65 million housing package to unlock more than 5600 new homes by addressing critical “trunk infrastructure needs”, including roads and sewer and water systems.

This package also calls for a $50m investment in high-density build-to-rent housing within the central-business district, alongside policy reforms to support housing development at the TropiQ precinct and in Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Charters Towers and the Burdekin.

Glen Maidment, managing director of Maidment Development, said the only thing standing it its way of developing more than 3000 lots was infrastructure.

“It’s quite simple, we can’t deliver land for locals to build homes without the key infrastructure that supports these developments.”

Townsville women Hannah Bradley is still living at home after a fruitless search for a rental stretching back more than two years. Picture: Supplied

He said the infrastructure included major intersections, access roads and water and sewerage treatment facilities.

“A $65 million investment from government would be an absolute game changer,” he said.

“Having access to funds to deliver infrastructure will unlock the access to thousands of homes, securing future jobs and investment for Townsville.”

TEL on Monday said with a vacancy rate that had remained below 1 per cent since 2020, housing was a key priority.

A spokesperson said that to meet demand over the next five years, current development activity would have to increase by 67 per cent.

The stark figure suggests that Townsville’s housing crisis is only set to worsen without government intervention.

Townsville women Hannah Bradley is still living at home after a fruitless search for a rental stretching back more than two years.

“There’s a lot of talk about the 1 per cent vacancy rate, but living through it is something else entirely,” she said.

“Housing is a basic human right, and it’s frustrating to see so much opportunity here, but no places to live.”

Ms Bradley said funding was needed now.

“We can’t have doctors, nurses, teachers, tradespeople and skilled workers moving here only to find themselves homeless.”

TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the region’s $36 billion pipeline of major projects that required more than 20,000 additional workers was at risk without immediate housing solutions. Picture: Shae Beplate

TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the region’s $36 billion pipeline of major projects that required more than 20,000 additional workers was at risk without immediate housing solutions.

“As our population grows, it’s crucial we invest in residential infrastructure to relieve the acute housing crisis,” she said.

“We simply cannot allow something as fundamental as housing to delay tens of billions of dollars in economic development.”

Ms Brumme-Smith said it was not simply a case of roofs over heads, “it’s about securing the future prosperity of our region”.

“A $65 million investment could unlock more than 5600 new homes — that’s less than $12,000 per home, offering a significant return on investment.”

She also said there was a pressing need for a revitalised CBD, which was struggling.

“The solution lies in increasing density through modern, affordable housing,” she said.

“A $50 million high density build-to-rent commitment will inject new life into our city.”

Ms Brumme-Smith said regional communities could also not be left behind, saying TEL had worked closely with councils to propose easy policy changes to open up new land and create housing opportunities.

“We can’t stress enough the urgency of this crisis,” she said.

“That’s why we’re calling on all political parties to commit to solving North Queensland’s housing epidemic this election.”

Originally published as Townsville Enterprise call for focus on housing crisis ahead of state elections