More than 10,000 new homes will be delivered in Bundaberg with six critical infrastructure projects set to be fast-tracked under the State Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The Residential Activation Fund will support construction of six key projects including a $7.7 million boost towards the $9.6 million Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant – Inlet Works – with all six projects set to unlock 10,068 new homes.
This project is a high priority for Bundaberg Regional Council to unlock the Branyan Local Area Plan and substantial residential housing developments as part of it’s capital works program.
The RAF will also deliver a $1.5 million boost towards the $1.88 million Childers Wastewater Treatment Plant Detailed Design – a significant trunk infrastructure project to support future development growth.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund has received 178 submissions – 64 from South East Queensland and 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Round one funding focuses on the construction of critical truck infrastructure needed such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads needed to unlock new residential developments and ease the housing crisis.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan and is breaking down the barriers for infill and greenfield developments.
The Fund will deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders and support one million new homes by 2044 with at least 50 per cent of the overall funding to be invested in regional and remote Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the Residential Activation Fund was set to unlock thousands of new homes across the State.
“Partnering with Council to unlock this critical infrastructure will deliver more homes,” he said.
“Our RAF roadshow officially kicks off today and I can’t wait to visit more communities over the coming weeks, announcing further projects across Queensland and helping more Queenslanders pursue their home ownership dreams.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council was delighted to have secured funding under the Residential Activation Fund.
“This investment of nearly $11 million for six significant projects will allows us to deliver and plan for critical infrastructure for our essential services from water and wastewater to roads and stormwater management, unlocking 10,068 new homes throughout the Bundaberg Region,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“This support is vital to addressing housing challenges in our community while supporting local jobs and economic development.
“We are proud to work alongside the Queensland Government to deliver on this important initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for residents and businesses alike.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said Bundaberg would benefit from the significant investment in six critical infrastructure projects.
“The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a significant $11 million investment towards six projects in the Bundaberg region that will unlock more than 10,000 homes,” Mr Bennett said.
“This investment will address housing shortages in the region and give more Queenslanders a place to call home.”
The RAF will also deliver the following projects for the Bundaberg region:
- $840,000 boost towards the $1 million Elliott Heads Growth Precinct – Water and Sewerage Infrastructure. Another key development area in Bundaberg with over 3,700 residential lots planned. Council sought State funding for the detailed design to begin immediately, completing the project within a year to be ready for construction to commence in 2026-27 to unlock housing developments.
- $520,000 boost towards the $651,000 Ashfield Growth Precinct – Sewerage Infrastructure. A key development area in Bundaberg with over 4,942 residential lots planned. Council sought State funding for the detailed design to begin immediately, completing the project within a year to be ready for construction to commence in 2026-27 to unlock housing developments.
- $240,000 boost towards the $300,000 Intersection Upgrade of Back Windermere and Barolin Homestead Roads, Coral Cove.
- $176,000 boost towards the $220,000 Kellys Road Stormwater Infrastructure.
Wouldn’t the money be better spent on the new hospital before adding to the problem?