MEDIA STATEMENT: A Fresh Start for Queensland: Church and charity land unlocked for more housing

A Fresh Start for Queensland: Church and charity land unlocked for more housing 

• Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce clears path for new community housing on church and charity land.
• Changes to the Planning framework set to commence this year will support commitment of 10,000 homes to be built on church and charity land in partnership with the community housing sector.
• Unlocking church and charity land delivers on a key commitment from the Government's 100 Day Plan.

The Crisafulli Government has taken another significant step towards securing the State’s housing foundations by progressing plans to unlock church and charity-owned land for much-needed community housing.

The Government’s Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce held its second meeting last week, with key industry groups from across the state agreeing on the steps needed to deliver the commitment Queenslanders backed at the state election.

That could see land earmarked for up to 10,000 new community homes, with 500 homes to be built in the next two years in partnership with community housing providers.

Proposed changes to Queensland’s planning framework would streamline development approvals for community facilities zoned land and provide improved assessment pathways for social and affordable housing proposals by not-for-profit and charitable organisations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said last week’s meeting of the new housing taskforce was a huge success.

“We have the bold target of building one million homes by 2044 so there’s no time to waste,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.

“New solutions must be found to provide more housing options for Queenslanders, and we are getting down to work.

“It is great to work with key industry and housing bodies and local governments to unlock church and charity-owned land for the new housing needed as we continue to reset the planning partnership with local communities and local councils.

“We have collectively agreed to deliver quick wins to fast-track small scale proposals while enabling larger or more complex developments to continue via existing, but streamlined planning approval pathways.

“We will continue to work closely with the community housing sector and local government in 2025 to remove the roadblocks that are locking Queenslanders out of the housing market.

“A key election commitment the Crisafulli LNP Government promised was to ensure more opportunities for Queenslanders to have a place to call home and that’s what we are delivering.

“The LNP will continue to drive opportunities to activate increased supply of housing options across Queensland, ensuring planning decisions protect the lifestyle of local communities.

“We will continue to do this by respectfully partnering with local government to ensure state approvals are given in a timely manner.”

The Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce will meet again early next year.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816