SOUTHERN Thornlands has been named as one of Queensland’s priority growth areas in a major State and Federal funding push aimed at unlocking more than 50,000 new homes.
The $2.4 billion Infrastructure Activation Fund is now open for applications from developers, councils and utility providers seeking money for the roads, sewerage, water and other essential services needed before new housing can go ahead.
Southern Thornlands is one of three specifically identified Priority Development Areas, alongside Mount Peter and Waraba.
The area is planned to eventually accommodate about 8000 homes, with a broader infrastructure plan identifying about $544 million in essential works.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the announcement offered a pathway to help local young people buy homes close to the community in which they grew up but warned growth must be properly supported.
“I’ve raised my family here in Redlands, and like so many local parents, I want our kids to have the same opportunity to build their lives in the community they grew up in,” Mrs Young said.
“But I also know what residents are telling me.
“They don’t want more houses without the roads, water, sewerage and services to support them.
“And I agree.”
Mrs Young said infrastructure had to be planned alongside housing, not added as an afterthought.
“We can’t keep building homes without planning for the infrastructure that makes a community work,” she said.
“I recognise the concerns Council has raised about roads, infrastructure and the impact of future growth on existing residents.
“This funding opportunity gives Council, developers and utility providers a pathway to put forward the projects needed to support that growth.”
The fund combines $798 million in State and Federal grant funding with nearly $1.6 billion in Commonwealth-backed interest-free loans.
Across Queensland, it is intended to unlock more than 50,000 homes, including more than 20,500 targeted towards first home buyers.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said Queensland needed more homes but they could not be delivered without the infrastructure to support growing communities.
“Availability equals affordability and by providing funding to get the vital infrastructure in place, the builders can get building,” he said.
Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the funding would back the “boring but essential” infrastructure needed to bring more homes to market.
Mrs Young said getting Southern Thornlands right was about making room for the next generation without forcing current residents to carry the cost of poorly planned development.
“It’s about protecting what we love about Redlands while making room for the next generation,” she said.
Applications are now open through Economic Development Queensland.
