A $544 million joint Queensland and Australian Government investment will fund the major infrastructure needed to unlock thousands of new homes at Southern Thornlands.
The funding package is earmarked for trunk infrastructure to support a new community containing a mix of housing, two primary schools, a secondary school and 100 hectares of employment land.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the investment was a major step towards delivering more housing in the city while ensuring new growth areas were supported by essential services.
“This is about proper planning for Redlands’ future; delivering homes alongside the roads, schools and essential infrastructure that growing communities deserve,” Mrs Young said.
“The housing crisis won’t be solved by releasing land alone.
“We need to invest in the infrastructure that unlocks new communities, and that’s exactly what this funding delivers.”
The proposed Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area is expected to create housing options for first-home buyers, families and downsizers, while also providing space for jobs and businesses.
Mrs Young said the development would help workers such as teachers, nurses, tradies, health professionals and small business owners remain in the Redlands.
“As our region grows, we also need more teachers, nurses, tradies, health professionals and small business owners,” she said.
“This development will help ensure the people who keep our community running can afford to call Redlands home.”
The investment is already being put to work, with a $4 million upgrade of the Springacre Road and Boundary Road intersection now underway.
Public consultation on the proposed Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area Development Scheme runs until September 15.
Residents can view the scheme, make a submission and find details of community information sessions at yoursay.edq.qld.gov.au/southern-thornlands-priority-development-area.
Where the $544 million investment is going in Southern Thornlands:
- Roads and transport: $256m
- Water supply: $29m
- Green space and community facilities: $93m
- Stormwater facilities: $29m
- Sewer facilities: $137m
