Published Friday, 14 November, 2025 at 12:45 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

Crisafulli Government delivers major land transfer deal to deliver for Central Queensland

  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering three key election commitments following Governor’s approval of more than 130-hectare land transfer.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering 200 homes, a new Rockhampton Sports Precinct and TAFE Centre of Excellence as a result of the deal.
  • Freehold land transferred to Economic Development Queensland, Rockhampton Regional Council and CQUniversity to develop.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and plan for Queensland’s future. 

The Crisafulli Government will deliver 200 homes, a new Rockhampton Sports Precinct and TAFE Centre of Excellence, after a major land transfer deal was signed off.  

The Governor has approved 130 hectares of trust-held land at CQUniversity’s North Rockhampton Campus to be converted to freehold, subdivided, and transferred at no cost to CQUniversity, Economic Development Queensland, and the Rockhampton Regional Council. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and plan for Queensland’s future, after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The transfer of these parcels of land will pave the way for the Crisafulli Government to deliver on three election commitments, including: 

  • Unlocking surplus, development-ready land to deliver 200 additional homes in partnership with Economic Development Queensland. 

  • $47 million for Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct to deliver a new home for Rockhampton Netball in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council. 

  • $61.1 million for a new TAFE Excellence Precinct for Rockhampton in partnership with CQUniversity.  

Of the 130 hectares:  

  • 27 hectares will go to Economic Development Queensland for housing (200 homes).  

  • 26 hectares to Rockhampton Regional Council for the Rockhampton Sports Precinct.  

  • 81.5 hectares retained by CQUniversity Australia for its operations and the TAFE precinct. 

The delivery of these election commitments removes long-standing tenure barriers that have restricted development at the North Rockhampton Campus for years.  

The land sits within the Central Queensland University Rockhampton PDA – which was declared by Labor but left to languish for over a decade with no activity.  

Under the Crisafulli Government, the land will be unlocked for a vibrant mixed-use precinct integrating residential, retail, community and training facilities. 

Consultation will now take place with stakeholders as part of the tenure conversion process, paving the way for new opportunities across the site.  

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said this deal demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s focus on delivering a fresh start for regional Queensland, after Labor ignored them during their decade of decline. 

“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is restoring faith in regional Queensland, backing communities like Rockhampton with the homes, skills and infrastructure they deserve,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.  

“For too long, regional Queenslanders were ignored by a Labor Government that failed to plan for growth or deliver the infrastructure communities needed. 

“The Crisafulli Government is changing that by creating more homes, better training opportunities and world-class sporting facilities for Rockhampton and beyond.” 

“The partnership between government, CQUniversity and Rockhampton Regional Council highlights the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to getting things done for the regions. 

“This is what strong regional leadership looks like – removing red tape, driving development, and investing where it counts.” 

“Rockhampton and Central Queensland are central to our state’s future, and this is another step toward delivering stronger, more liveable regional communities.” 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the TAFE Excellence Precinct would boost local skills and jobs. 

“Our $201.1 million investment in TAFE Centres of Excellence, including this one in Rockhampton, will help address Labor’s skills shortage, and deliver modern facilities for trades, IT, hospitality and more – ensuring Central Queenslanders have access to world-class training close to home,” Minster Bates said.  

“This is part of our plan to deliver a Fresh Start for Queensland, and secure a pipeline of skilled workers, helping build a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.” 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Rockhampton Sports Precinct would be a game-changer for local sport. 

“Facilities like these encourage the community to get active and healthy, and we want to make sure that Queenslander's have access to world-class facilities right across the state,” Minister Mander said. 

“Netball has strong participation in Queensland and stage 1 of the precinct providing 16 new netball courts and amenities will encourage more Queenslanders to take up Netball.” 

Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the transfer heralded a new era of opportunity for Central Queensland. 

“Labor only delivered an average of 509 social homes a year during their three terms in office, but, the Crisafulli Government will deliver over 2,000 social and community homes a year by the end of our first term, with these 200 homes a welcomed addition to that number,” Mr Hutton said. 

Member for Rockhampton and Assistant Minister for Central Queensland Donna Kirkland said after a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government was delivering much-needed housing relief, as well as sporting, training and education opportunities for the residents of Rockhampton and Central Queensland. 

“As a united team with RRC and CQUniversity, we are delivering key infrastructure and opportunities that will keep our key sports men and women, medical practitioners, and families in Rockhampton, while promoting our regions to those right around Queensland,” Ms Kirkland said.  

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the deal would help create more opportunity for the next generation, whether it be in housing, or sports, or getting the skills to go into a trade. 

“By unlocking more land for places where people can live it means that young people will be more able to get home, play the sport they love, and more chances to find a career that they really feel passionate about,” Mr Kelly said. 

“This is great not just for Rockhampton, but the surrounding communities as well who will all take advantage of these opportunities.” 

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp, said the agreement would deliver lasting and wide-ranging benefits for the Central Queensland region. 

“Freeing up this land provides an opportunity to boost housing and accommodation supply for our growing community, while also driving new opportunities for training, education and sport,” Professor Klomp said.

“With our new world-class TAFE facilities and the forthcoming Rockhampton Sports Precinct, residents will benefit from being closely connected to high-quality educational, sporting and community spaces, creating a true hub for regional growth and community connection.”

“More homes, more training and more opportunities for young people in sport will strengthen local industry, create new jobs and deliver lasting social and economic impact, and CQUniversity is proud to be a key partner in bringing this to life.” 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan, 0437 334 769