Some positive news in Queensland for your weekend. Not everyone wants to talk about planning zones and government declarations – but this one could shape where a whole lot of Queenslanders live in the next couple of decades.

We’ve all seen the negative news headlines. Rents through the roof. Young families priced out. Tradies stretched thin trying to keep up. Well, the Queensland Government’s just pulled the trigger on a big move they reckon will help: a brand new Priority Development Area (PDA) in Southern Thornlands, Redland City, and it comes with 8,000 homes in the pipeline.

What’s the story?

The Southern Thornlands PDA covers around 890 hectares. Once it’s fully built out, it’s set to become a brand new pocket of homes, parks, shopping spots, and community facilities. The plan is to deliver 8,000 homes over 20 years.

Right out of the gate, they’re unlocking 900 homes – and up to 20% of that will be affordable or social housing. That’s not nothing, especially when we’re hearing from more and more families doing it tough.

And it’s not just homes. There’s $4 million already secured to upgrade the Springacre and Boundary Road intersection – a key piece of road infrastructure to handle the extra load.

This new PDA is the Crisafulli Government’s way of saying, “Righto, let’s get on with it.” They’re promising faster planning, more coordination, and support to get homes moving sooner.

For those of us in the industry, this means potential work, long-term pipelines, and (hopefully) fewer bureaucratic handbrakes.

What do we know?

Here’s what’s on the table:

• A 20-year development plan
  
• 900 homes ready to go in the first stage
  
• A good whack of those being affordable or social
  
• New parks, shops and community spaces
  
• Infrastructure upgrades already locked in
  

The area’s been sitting on the shelf for more than seven years under the previous government. Now they’re saying it’s full steam ahead.

What’s being said?

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie didn’t pull any punches – he reckons Labor left a mess and that this is part of the fix.

“The new Southern Thornlands PDA will unlock the right infrastructure at the right time, in the right location.”

Assistant Minister Rebecca Young backed it in too, saying it’s time for councils, government, and community to actually work together on a long-term plan.

That’s the kind of talk we like to hear – but as always, the proof’s in the pour.

What should you watch for?

• Will local councils keep pace with approvals?
  
• Can infrastructure roll out fast enough to match home construction?
  
• Will builders be given the certainty they need to plan for long-term work?
  

Maybe most importantly, will these homes be livable, well-designed places? Or are we staring down rows of cookie-cutter boxes that age badly and miss the mark on liveability?

At The Good Builder, we reckon it’s not just about cranking out homes – it’s about building communities that last.

Final thoughts?

It’s a big call – 8,000 homes over 20 years. There’s a lot of work to get done and while the announcement’s got promise, it’s what comes next that matters most.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this rolls out. In the meantime, here’s something to chew on: What does a well-planned neighbourhood look like to you? And how can builders like us help shape it?

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.