A regional plan for North Queensland’s future

• The Crisafulli Government has released the draft Regional Plan for North Queensland, which sets out the 20-year vision for the region.
• The review is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reset the planning partnership with councils, industry and local communities after years of neglect under the former Labor Government, which failed to plan for rapid population growth across the region.
• The community is invited to have their say on the draft Regional Plan.

The Crisafulli Government has unveiled a plan for the future of North Queensland, today releasing the draft North Queensland Regional Plan, which sets out a 20-year vision and strategic direction for North Queensland, focused on strengthening housing and economic growth while aligning infrastructure needs.

North Queensland is projected to need an additional 26,700 new homes by 2046, equivalent to about 1,335 homes per year.

It also includes the draft North Queensland Infrastructure Plan, linking land use and infrastructure planning in one place to support coordinated planning for transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure as per our election commitment.

The review is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reset the planning partnership with councils, industry and local communities after years of neglect under the former Labor Government, which failed to plan for population growth across the region, while also protecting the lifestyle of local residents.

North Queenslanders are invited to have their say on the future of their region as the Crisafulli Government continues to deliver on its $31.3 million commitment to deliver 13 new regional plans, with supporting infrastructure plans, across Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said having local voices in the regional planning process was key to a strong plan for the region’s future.

“The North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan, when finalised, will focus on what really matters to this region – delivering the homes, infrastructure, services and jobs communities need into the future,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“Labor rode roughshod over local communities, refusing to work in partnership with local councils while they dictated the future of regional communities from Brisbane.

“We are resetting the planning partnership with Councils, giving them a seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping their region’s future.

“North Queensland is a diverse and economically significant region that plays a vital role in keeping Queensland moving, and this plan will help support its strengths across agriculture, resources, tourism, logistics and emerging industries.

“Land use planning will also include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to local government and industry feedback.

“This means better coordination for future infrastructure needs across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.

“The draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan provides certainty for councils, industry and the community for decades to come.

“It shows where new homes, infrastructure and jobs should be delivered, ensuring growth is coordinated, efficient and supported by the services people rely on.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said supporting regional industries would be critical to North Queensland’s long-term prosperity.

“The Burdekin is an agricultural powerhouse and an important contributor to Queensland’s economy and protecting our productive land must remain a priority as the region grows,” Mr Last said.

“This draft plan provides an opportunity for local communities, farmers, businesses and industry to have their say on how North Queensland grows over the next two decades.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the draft Regional Plan would help ensure Townsville’s future growth was properly planned for, with housing, infrastructure and jobs considered together.

“Townsville is growing, and we need to make sure we are planning ahead so growth delivers better outcomes for our community,” Mr Baillie said.

“This plan gives us an opportunity to get the fundamentals right, making sure new housing is supported by the roads, water, services and community infrastructure people need.

“After years of Labor failing to plan for growth, it’s good to see the Crisafulli Government working with our local communities to plan for Townsville’s future.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the regional planning process would provide a stronger framework for managing growth while protecting the character and liveability of local communities.

“Mundingburra is a great place to live, and as Townsville grows, we need to make sure we protect what makes our communities strong,” Ms Poole said.

“Good planning means making sure housing growth is matched by the infrastructure and services that families rely on every day.

“This is about giving local communities a genuine voice in shaping what North Queensland looks like over the next 20 years, rather than having decisions dictated from Brisbane.”

Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said planning for future growth must ensure new homes were delivered alongside the infrastructure needed to support growing communities.

“Thuringowa is one of the areas where we will see the benefits of getting ahead of growth and planning properly for the future,” Ms Marr said.

“We need more homes, but we also need the roads, water, transport, schools, open spaces and community infrastructure that make those homes part of a liveable community.

“The draft Regional Plan provides a long-term framework to make sure growth is coordinated and that infrastructure needs are considered from the outset, not after communities have already grown.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the draft plan recognised the important role regional communities play in North Queensland’s future economic growth and prosperity.

“Hinchinbrook and the wider North Queensland region have enormous economic strengths, from agriculture and tourism through to resources and emerging industries,” Mr Chiesa said.

“We need a planning framework that protects those strengths while creating opportunities for new investment, jobs and housing.

“This plan is about giving regional communities a stronger say in their own future and making sure growth works for the people who already call North Queensland home.”

Charters Towers Mayor and NQROC Chair Liz Schmidt said North Queensland’s councils welcomed the release of the draft Regional Plan and the focus on strengthening the partnership between state and local government to plan for the region’s future.

“Good regional planning is about more than identifying where growth will occur. It is about ensuring housing, jobs and infrastructure are planned together so communities remain liveable, connected and economically strong,” Cr Schmidt said.

“I encourage councils, industry and community members to review the draft and provide feedback to help ensure the final plan reflects local knowledge and delivers practical outcomes that support sustainable growth across North Queensland over the next 20 years.”

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto encouraged residents to have their say through the public consultation process.

“We live in a fantastic part of the world, and as our region grows, we need to make sure we protect the lifestyle and opportunities that make Townsville special,” Cr Dametto said.

“Council is committed to working with the Queensland Government to plan for the housing, infrastructure and services our growing community needs, while keeping Townsville a place we can all be proud of.”

Public consultation for the draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 will run until Tuesday 29 September 2026.

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

To view the draft plan and provide feedback, visit www.planning.qld.gov.au/north-queensland-regional-plan

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan 0437 334 769