Residential Activation Fund to unlock 360 new homes in Western Queensland

• Western Queensland to benefit from round one of the Residential Activation Fund, which was doubled to $1 billion in State Budget. 
• Residential Activation Fund to deliver $41.8 million towards 14 critical infrastructure projects.  
• At least half of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund dedicated to fast-tracking regional housing projects.  

More than 360 new homes will be unlocked in Western Queensland with construction of several critical infrastructure projects set to be fast-tracked under the Crisafulli Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.  

The Criasfulli Government will deliver $41.8 million for 14 projects which will unlock 363 new homes.

The projects will be delivered in partnership with Balonne Shire Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Bulloo Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council and Quilpie Shire Council. 

This announcement comes just days after the Residential Activation Fund unlocked 100 new homes in North West Queensland. 

The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund has received 178 submissions – 64 from South East Queensland and 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland.

The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering up to $1 billion for round one of the Residential Activation Fund, doubled from the original $500 million, in response to the overwhelming number of applications and availability of shovel-ready projects.

Round one funding focuses on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure needed such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads needed to unlock new residential developments and ease Labor’s Housing Crisis.  

The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan and is breaking down the barriers for infill and greenfield developments. 

The Fund will deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders and support one million new homes by 2044 with at least 50 per cent of the overall funding to be invested in regional and remote Queensland. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Residential Activation Fund was set to unlock thousands of new homes across Queensland. 

“Just months after record-breaking, widespread rainfall and flooding left a path of destruction in Western Queensland, the Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund has delivered a $41.8 million investment set to fast-track the delivery of 14 projects, unlocking 363 new homes,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.  

“This partnership with local councils will transform the housing landscape in regional, rural, and remote Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home.  

“The Residential Activation Fund is just one way the Crisafulli Government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to manage population growth, address housing affordability and protect the lifestyle of local communities.” 

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the Residential Activation Fund would deliver much-needed homes for Queenslanders.  

“This $41.8 million investment is a game-changer for Western Queensland, unlocking more than 360 new homes.”  

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund would deliver for his electorate.  

“The Residential Activation Fund will give more Queenslanders a place to call home in the state’s largest electorate, covering more than 459,600 square kilometres,” Mr Dillon said.  

Balonne Shire Council Mayor Samantha O’Toole said the Residential Activation Fund would fast-track the delivery of two much needed developments. 

“As a rural Council, we are heavily reliant on grant funding from other levels of government and this funding will provide the essential infrastructure required to develop additional housing in our Shire,” Mayor O’Toole said.  

“We understand that dealing with the housing crisis in our State will take collaboration from all levels of government and we commend the Queensland Government for taking direct action with this provision of funding from the Residential Activation Fund.” 

Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler said the Residential Activation Fund would help address housing shortages in Barcaldine.  

“This project will help unlock new housing opportunities, supporting the growth and liveability of our region,” Mayor Chandler said.   

Bulloo Shire Council Mayor John “Tractor” Ferguson said the Residential Activation Fund would support the long-term growth of Bulloo.  

“We are grateful to the Queensland Government for recognising the needs of rural and remote communities and backing projects that will boost longevity into our region,” Mayor Ferguson said.

Diamantina Shire Council Mayor Francis Murray said this funding agreement would deliver critical infrastructure to unlock development-ready land owned by Council.  

“The project will enable housing supply in a remote region where the private market alone cannot overcome delivery constraints,” Mayor Murray said.  

Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner said the Residential Activation Fund would deliver critical infrastructure in Ilfracombe.  

“This investment will unlock six residential lots that have remained inaccessible since 2009, helping to stimulate local development,” Mayor Rayner said.  

“We’re proud to be taking proactive steps to meet the needs of our growing community, and we’re very grateful to the Queensland Government for making this kind of essential planning work possible.” 

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Wendy Taylor said the Residential Activation Fund would accelerate the delivery of a development critical to the Maranoa. 

“Housing costs present challenges for families and makes it hard for our region to attract essential workers including teachers, medical professionals, and childcare workers. This has a much wider effect on liveability than just housing,” Mayor Taylor said. 

“As a local government, the Maranoa does not have the capacity to independently fund solutions and the funding through the Residential Activation Fund makes it possible.”  

Murweh Shire Council Mayor Shaun “Zoro” Radnedge said the Residential Activation Fund opened the door to a new estate in a flood free area.  

“This announcement opens the door to 65 housing blocks in a new estate in a flood free area, offering our residents an opportunity to invest and build out of the flood-prone area to make our community more resilient,” Mayor Radnedge said.  

“This decision by the Crisafulli Government offers an invaluable housing development future for the Murweh Shire.” 

Quilpie Shire Council Mayor Ben Hall said the funding commitment marked a pivotal milestone in realising Quilpie Shire’s long-term vision. 

“Originally approved in August 2014, the development of a rural residential estate in Quilpie has been a foundational element of Council’s strategic planning—affirmed in the adopted 2018 Planning Scheme,” Mayor Hall said. 

“This investment unlocks the next phase of a decade-long blueprint, enabling the construction of up to 30 additional dwellings and strengthening Council’s Q1000 objective to restore the Shire’s population to 1000 residents. 

“The Residential Activation Fund does more than deliver housing—it brings a lasting plan to life.”  

The 14 projects include:

• Construction of civil infrastructure and stormwater drainage around a new residential estate development in St George.
• Detailed design activities for a new large-scale residential subdivision within the Balonne Shire. 
• Specific infrastructure planning for the development of the Bauhinia Street lot in Barcaldine. 
• Extension of essential power and water infrastructure within Jundah.
• Stormwater drainage infrastructure and footpaths on Charles Street from Albert Street to Arthur Street in Tambo and on Arthur Street from Charles Street to Garden Street and Queen Elizabeth Street. 
• Land for a residential estate to enable new housing to be built in Boulia Township. 
• Sewerage infrastructure in Thargomindah to support the town’s expanding population. 
• Critical trunk infrastructure along Sams and Frew Streets in Thargomindah to enable residential development.
• Completion of road, drainage, and civil infrastructure to service a residential subdivision in Bedourie.
• Extension of McMaster Drive in Ilfracombe including construction of new road, stormwater drainage improvements, and reticulated water infrastructure.
• Detailed design and cost estimates for the delivery of sub development plans for Kestrel Street.
• New trunk infrastructure for water, sewer, stormwater, and roads for the Roma Police Paddock subdivision.
• Construction of essential road, stormwater, and water infrastructure for a residential subdivision in Quilpie.
• Critical trunk infrastructure to unlock the Aurora Estate Subdivision in Charleville. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Scott 0499 984 004