THE Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area is set to deliver 8000 new homes under a major $2.4 billion housing infrastructure deal announced by the State and Federal Governments, with a strong focus on helping first home buyers enter the market.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie made the announcement in Redlands on Monday, revealing Southern Thornlands would form part of a statewide plan expected to unlock 51,000 homes across three Priority Development Areas.
Mr Bleijie said at least 20,000 of those homes would be reserved for first home buyers.
“We are the state in Australia that has said, show us the money, we’ve got the land, we’re ready, and we want to unlock it,” he said.
“The Southern Thornlands PDA where we are here – 8000 new homes.”
Mr Bleijie said the funding package included nearly $800 million in co-contribution grants from the State and Federal Governments, along with $1.6 billion in zero per cent concessional loans for trunk infrastructure.
“This is the Crisafulli Government doing everything we can to supply, supply, supply, fast, fast, fast, with a particular focus on first homeowners,” he said.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the announcement was significant for the future growth of the city and the delivery of supporting infrastructure.
“For too long, Redlands was put on the back foot when it came to housing,” Mrs Young said. “The Southern Thornlands PDA sat on a former minister’s desk for many, many years.
“But I made a promise to the people of Redlands – not just to bring housing to Redlands, but to bring the supporting infrastructure to Redlands. And that’s what we’re doing here.”
Mrs Young said the development would help families establish themselves locally.
First home buyer Vee Grozdanic also spoke at the announcement, saying rising property prices had made
entering the market increasingly difficult.
“Hearing the announcement this morning is obviously going to be very helpful,” Ms Grozdanic said.
“For people like me as a first home buyer, I will be able to get into the market.”
