What’s Happening?
The Queensland Government has announced new infrastructure funding to support residential development across Southern Redlands through its Residential Activation Fund.
The project will upgrade a three-way signalised intersection, install new crossings and relocate existing services to accommodate future housing. By addressing these infrastructure requirements, the government aims to bring forward residential developments while supporting the area’s continued growth.
Why It Matters
Housing developments depend on suitable roads and essential services, making infrastructure investment an important part of increasing residential supply. The latest funding aims to address these requirements before further development can proceed.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the government was prioritising infrastructure to support housing construction.
“The Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund is pulling every lever to increase housing supply, because you can’t build homes without the roads, water and sewerage infrastructure to support them,” Mr Bleijie said.
He also highlighted cooperation between government, councils and developers as an important factor in addressing housing shortages.
“This project will unlock more than 760 places to call home for Queenslanders and support the growing area of the Redlands. This investment demonstrates what’s possible when government partners with councils, landowners and industry to remove barriers to new housing.”
Local Impact
The funding will support new residential communities in Southern Redlands while improving infrastructure that local families and businesses rely on.
Member for Redlands and Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation Rebecca Young said the improvements would help housing development keep pace with the area’s growth.
“The Redlands is growing, and we need to make sure housing supply keeps pace with that growth, and this investment will unlock new opportunities for housing in the Southern Redlands, while strengthening the infrastructure local families and businesses rely on,” Ms Young said.
Young also criticised the previous Labor Government’s approach to housing, pointing to the importance of cooperation with local councils and developers.
“After years of Labor failing to keep up with Queensland’s growth, the Crisafulli Government is working with councils and industry to get the infrastructure in place and get more homes built.”
By the Numbers
The latest investment adds to a broader infrastructure funding program supporting residential development across Redlands and Queensland.
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More than $4.5 million has been allocated for the Southern Redlands project, supporting infrastructure improvements needed for future residential construction.
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More than $8.8 million in Residential Activation Fund investment has now been committed across the Redlands, supporting development capacity for over 850 homes.
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More than 174,000 homes could be supported by infrastructure investments through the Residential Activation Fund across Queensland, according to the state government.
Zoom In
The intersection upgrade will also support Baya, a residential community being developed by Villawood in the Redlands.
Villawood Queensland and New South Wales General Manager Michael Williams said the project would improve connectivity and support development across neighbouring sites.
“Creating new communities such as Redlands’ Baya starts with investing in the essential infrastructure that supports them,” Mr Williams said. “We appreciate the Queensland Government’s support through the Residential Activation Fund and its commitment to investing in infrastructure that helps deliver more housing options for Queenslanders.”
Williams said the benefits would extend beyond Baya, with adjoining developments also gaining from improved road access.
“Baya is delivering vital housing and community assets and this intersection will help unlock more than 750 homes across our site and adjoining projects.”
Zoom Out
The Redlands funding forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s wider housing strategy, which focuses on infrastructure, homebuyer assistance and increasing residential supply.
Bleijie said the government’s approach differed from that of the previous Labor administration, which he blamed for Queensland’s housing pressures.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, we’re getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure needed to unlock new housing opportunities across the State. The Crisafulli Government has already unlocked more than 174,000 new places to call home through the Residential Activation Fund after Labor’s decade of decline, which saw housing lot approvals slump by 29 per cent, leading to record-low rental vacancy rates, a skyrocketing social housing waitlist and the lowest home ownership rate in the country.”
Beyond the Residential Activation Fund, the government has outlined several initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability.
These include more than $2 billion in joint federal and state funding to support 51,000 homes, including 20,000 for first home buyers. The government is also releasing underused state land for residential development through its Land Activation Program.
For first home buyers, the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant remains in the state budget, alongside stamp duty relief for new builds. Meanwhile, the Boost to Buy shared equity scheme aims to reduce deposit barriers, offering up to 2,000 places, with half reserved for regional Queenslanders.
The government has also eased subletting restrictions for eligible homebuyers receiving grants and concessions to help increase rental availability. Its longer-term housing target includes one million homes by 2044, with a planned pipeline of 53,500 social and community homes.
Bleijie maintained that increasing supply remained central to improving housing affordability across Queensland.
“More affordable housing starts with more supply. While also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first homebuyers, we’re delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders.”
What To Look For Next?
The investment could help residential developments progress across Southern Redlands once the necessary intersection and service improvements are completed.
Although construction timelines have not been announced, further project updates may clarify when the infrastructure works will begin. These details could also provide a clearer indication of when additional housing developments, including Baya and adjoining projects, can proceed.
