Mount Peter priority development area declared by state government

An immediate 200 homes and 18,500 in the long term – that’s what this new government declaration promises to deliver for Cairns.

New development in Cairns’ southern growth corridor at Mount Peter. Picture: Brendan Radke

A standoff between developers and governments over delivering trunk infrastructure for new housing developments in Cairns is set to ease with a new planning agreement announced.

The state government at Wednesday’s estimates hearings will formally announce its declaration of a priority development area for Mount Peter – within Cairns’ southern growth corridor.

The declaration overseen by Economic Development Queensland is categorised a “catalyst infrastructure project” with the organisation co-investing $2.25m.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie said

an interim land use plan was now in effect enabling development applications to proceed immediately for the early development area.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Cairns Mayor Amy Eden and Mulgrave MP Terry James.

“The PDA will deliver 18,500 homes throughout the life of the priority development area, including approximately 200 homes through an early release area.

“Mount Peter is the last major greenfield site in the Cairns local government area – earmarked for decades as a key growth area for Cairns and a prime opportunity to help resolve the region’s long-term housing supply shortfall.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the declaration of a PDA was a step towards securing Cairns’ housing foundations.

“The southern growth corridor is the last remaining greenfield development site of scale in our region,” Ms Eden said.

“Our partnership with the state government through the PDA will make ready-to-build parcels of land available and provide homes to Cairns residents.

“We’ve got one chance to get this right, and we identified a PDA as the most effective option to streamline approvals and detail the required sewer, road and water trunk infrastructure.

“This brings together the state’s expertise and resources to bolster council’s local knowledge and experience.”

The new subdivision at Mount Peter in Cairns’ south, which has been given priority development area status. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mulgrave MP Terry James said he had long supported the Mount Peter PDA.

“I have been working closely with Cairns Regional Council to assist them to open up 200 lots immediately and 18,500 in the longer term to unlock housing across the Cairns region and give families a chance to build the homes of their dreams.

“I am excited about this joint venture between the Crisafulli government and Cairns Regional Council and the opportunities that will deliver.”

This declaration comes just weeks after the LNP announced 3000 new homes would be delivered in Far North Queensland, with 16 projects set to be fast-tracked through the $2bn Residential Activation Fund.

The state government also recently approved $350,000 in funding for Cairns Regional Council to accelerate housing development by updating their planning scheme to facilitate housing.

Originally published as Mount Peter priority development area declared by state government