Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 aims for 48k homes in 20 years

The state government is calling on Far Northerners to help shape a new long term plan which will guide the region towards almost 50,000 homes in 20 years as well as highlight infrastructure needs.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has opened up the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 which aims to build almost 50,000 homes in 20 years.

The state government is calling on Far Northerners to help shape a new long term plan which will guide the region towards almost 50,000 homes in 20 years as well as highlight infrastructure needs.

The much-anticipated updates to the Far North Queensland Regional plan are etching closer with the state set to release the draft on November 12 for public consultation.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie who will attend an industry briefing event hosted by UDIA in Cairns on Wednesday said the blueprint would feature “housing, infrastructure, and jobs where they’re needed.”

The Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning said the new plan set out a target for 48,485 additional homes by 2046, equivalent to about 1940 homes each year.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Cairns mayor Amy Eden and Mulgrave MP Terry James following the declaration of a PDA over Mount Peter earlier this year.

He said the draft plan also included the recently declared Mount Peter Priority Development Area, which would unlock up to 18,500 homes in Cairns’ southern suburbs by 2046.

Mr Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was bringing local voices back into the regional planning process, by ensuring they were developed with communities, not imposed upon them, like they were under the former government, he claimed.

“The plan will focus on what really matters to this region – delivering more housing supply, supporting key industries, strengthening tourism and driving economic development.

“For the first time, land use planning will include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to industry and local government feedback and in line with our election commitment.

New home construction and house building under development at Mt Peter Estate in the Cairns southern growth corridor. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We need the local community to help us ensure this plan supports growth, by telling us where and when housing and infrastructure is needed.”

Local leaders welcomed the release of the draft which was development in partnership with the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Douglas, Etheridge, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal, and Yarrabah councils.

Public consultation for the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, including the draft FNQ Infrastructure Plan 2025, will run until January, 5 2026.

Submissions will be considered in finalising the plan to ensure it meets the priorities of communities across the region.

Originally published as Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 aims for 48k homes in 20 years