THORNLANDS residents are being invited to have their say on shaping the area’s future, with the recent declaration of the Southern Thornlands region as a Priority Development Area (PDA).
The move is part of a long-term plan aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis and improving infrastructure.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young, expressed her enthusiasm for the development, noting that after years of delays under the previous Labor government, the Crisafulli Government is now taking action to unlock new housing opportunities.
“There is now an opportunity for everyone to have their say on the Southern Thornlands PDA to ensure it meets the infrastructure and social needs of our community,” Mrs Young said.
The first stage of the Southern Thornlands development will include 900 new homes, with 20 per cent of these earmarked for social and affordable housing.
Additionally, a significant upgrade to the Springacre Road and Boundary Road intersection is planned, with $4 million in funding allocated for the project.
“Now is the time for all levels of government and the community to come together and discuss what we need to make this 20-year plan work for everyone,” Mrs Young said.
The Government’s efforts are backed by the launch of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF), which is designed to fund crucial infrastructure projects such as roads, water, sewerage, and power. The RAF aims to facilitate the delivery of new homes across the state by addressing infrastructure gaps that have previously delayed housing projects.
“The RAF will fund missing pieces of critical infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage, and power to unlock and kickstart housing developments across the State,” Mrs Young said.
She emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the Southern Thornlands.
To ensure that the 20-year development plan aligns with local needs, Mrs Young announced that she will be conducting a community survey followed by information sessions in May.
“This is an opportunity to make the Southern Thornlands what we want it to be and what we need it to be, and I look forward to working alongside Redlands councillors and the community, to deliver a plan that is right for our community, with the infrastructure we need to build new housing for current and future generations.”
Through these efforts, the Government hopes to foster a collaborative approach to development, with all stakeholders working together to ensure the region’s growth is sustainable and meets the needs of the community.
“I will be running a community survey, to be followed with community information sessions in May, to ensure everyone gets a say,” Mrs Young said.
