The Crisafulli Government has moved to accelerate housing delivery in Ipswich, with a new land release in Bundamba that could ease pressure in one of South-East Queensland’s fastest-growing corridors.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has unlocked 6.1 hectares of development-ready land on Mary Street, Bundamba, paving the way for immediate residential and mixed-use projects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the release was another step towards the government’s headline election commitment of delivering one million homes by 2044.
“The Bundamba land release comprises three opportunities – two residential parcels totalling nearly four hectares and a third mixed-use parcel of 0.86 hectares,” Mr Bleijie said.
“We encourage developers to consider these prime opportunities and reach out to EDQ to investigate their potential.”
Building momentum in Ipswich
The announcement follows two earlier Ipswich land activations in recent months, as the government rolls out its $2 billion activation fund. Together, the projects are expected to unlock up to 11,300 new homes across the region.
Bleijie positioned the Bundamba release as part of a broader reset of land supply after what he described as “a decade of declining approvals and poor regional planning under Labor.”
“Land supply is critical if we’re going to deliver one million homes by 2044,” he said. “This partnership with Ipswich City Council is about making sure more Queenslanders can find a place to call home.”
A “game-changer” for Ipswich
Ipswich Acting Mayor Nicole Jonic welcomed the release, pointing to the city’s rapid population growth and housing shortfall.
“With Ipswich’s population growing faster than almost anywhere else in Queensland, having 6.1 hectares of development-ready land unlocked is a game-changer for our community,” Cr Jonic said.
“This is a prime site, with access to public transport, jobs, education, and services. It aligns with our new Ipswich City Plan 2025 and will provide a variety of housing options, commercial spaces and community facilities that reflect the needs of locals.”
From underutilised sites to job creation
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates highlighted the potential to turn previously underutilised land into new housing and job opportunities.
One of the three Bundamba sites is a former TAFE parcel.
“Across Queensland, Labor allowed TAFE sites to sit idle. Under our plan, land like this will support new housing while creating job opportunities through construction and mixed-use development,” Ms Bates said.
“It’s another example of how the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start by unlocking surplus land, we’re tackling the housing crisis head-on.”
Preparing land for market
Before the land is released to developers, EDQ will deliver essential enabling infrastructure. That includes:
- An internal access street
- Stormwater detention
- Utility services
The federal government is also contributing funding to support site preparation.
Once ready, the parcels will be available to the open market, with developers encouraged to register interest through EDQ.
The bigger picture: Queensland’s housing targets
The Bundamba release is part of the government’s broader housing supply strategy. Key elements include:
- Delivering one million homes by 2044.
- Refocusing EDQ on unlocking surplus government land.
- Using the $2 billion activation fund to fast-track strategic projects.
- Targeting high-growth areas like Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay.
Industry groups have consistently argued that land supply is one of the key barriers to meeting Queensland’s housing needs. Ipswich alone is expected to absorb an additional 325,000 residents by 2046, placing major pressure on planning frameworks.
TGB Take
For builders, this announcement represents both opportunity and challenge. On one hand, fresh land supply in Bundamba will bring shovel-ready projects to market at a time when many builders are hungry for new work. On the other, it underscores the need for capacity, labour, materials, and financing to keep pace with the government’s ambitious housing targets.
Ipswich is shaping up as one of Queensland’s most important growth fronts. Builders who position early, partner with local council and EDQ, and demonstrate strong delivery capability will be best placed to secure opportunities.
The bigger story here isn’t just 6.1 hectares in Bundamba. It’s the clear signal from government that land activation will be the centrepiece of Queensland’s housing response over the next two decades.
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