Landmark blueprint for Cape York and Torres Strait

• The Crisafulli Government has released the draft Regional Plan for Cape York and Torres Strait.
• This is the first time the Torres Strait has been included, recognising the connections of mainland and island communities across Queensland’s northern most region. 
• The review is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reset the planning partnership with councils, industry and local communities after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, which failed to plan for rapid population growth across the region.

The Crisafulli Government has unveiled a landmark blueprint for Queensland’s northernmost communities, releasing the draft Regional Plan for Cape York and the Torres Strait.

Significantly, this is the first time the Torres Strait has been included in a Regional Plan, reflecting the importance of the region to the Crisafulli Government.

The draft plan sets out the 20-year vision and strategic direction for Cape York and the Torres Strait, focusing on housing and economic opportunity across agriculture, development and construction, mining and extractive resources, and tourism, supported by coordinated infrastructure planning.

The draft plan sets a target of delivering more than 1,900 additional homes by 2046, taking the region’s projected dwelling supply to more than 10,600. These 1,900 new homes will cater for the 3,300 new Queenslanders expected to call the Cape and Torres Strait home by 2046.

It also includes the draft Cape York and Torres Strait 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.

The draft Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 sets out a long-term vision for the region and includes:

• A clear land-use framework to guide housing, jobs and development across mainland, island and remote communities to 2046. 
• Dwelling supply targets aligned with the Crisafulli Government’s goal of one million new homes by 2044.
• A regional centres network recognising the roles of Bamaga, Cooktown, Weipa, Thursday Island and Horn Island, supported by strategic service centres across the region.
• Support for agriculture, mining and extractive resources, construction, tourism, cultural enterprise and emerging industries.
• Protection for priority agricultural areas, priority living areas and strategic environmental areas.
• Regional infrastructure planning policies across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.
• Planning that responds to remoteness, seasonal access, housing pressures, infrastructure constraints and the need for resilient communities. 

The review is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reset the planning partnership with councils, industry and local communities after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, which failed to plan for rapid population growth across the region.

Public consultation on the draft Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 is now open.

The Crisafulli Government committed $31.3 million to deliver 13 new regional plans as part of its promised fresh start for Queenslanders and to reset the planning partnership with Councils.

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 coordinated plan for the region’s future.

“Cape York and the Torres Strait is among Queensland’s most distinctive places, with strong communities, rich cultures, extraordinary natural assets and economic potential,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“For the first time, the Torres Strait are part of a statutory Regional Plan, bringing Cape York and the Torres Strait together in one coordinated long-term plan while recognising the different needs of mainland and island communities.

“We are resetting the planning partnership with Councils and communities, giving them a seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping their region’s future after being shut out for a decade under Labor.

“The Cape York and Torres Strait Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan will focus on what really matters to this unique region, delivering the homes, infrastructure, services and jobs these communities need into the future.

Member for Cook David Kempton encouraged locals to review the draft plan and speak up about what matters most in their community.

“The plan builds on our region’s strengths in mining, agriculture, fisheries, construction and tourism, while supporting greater connectivity, resilience and local self-sufficiency, Mr Kempton said.

“After Labor treated this region as an afterthought for a decade, the Crisafulli Government has reset the partnership with Councils and communities, whether you’re on the mainland or on the islands.

“The Regional Plan is also supported by a draft Infrastructure Plan, helping governments, councils and industry better align future investments with local priorities, meaning better coordination for future infrastructure needs across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.

Public consultation for the draft Cape York and the Torres Strait Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 will run until Wednesday 11 February 2027.

To view the plan and provide feedback, visit https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/cape-york-and-torres-strait-regional-plan

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ash McDermid 0412 731 355