Gympie is on the brink of a major housing boost, with more than 5,300 new homes set to be unlocked under the Queensland Government’s landmark Residential Activation Fund (RAF). The announcement, part of the Crisafulli Government’s first state budget, delivers a significant investment in critical infrastructure to support long-term growth in the region.
$42 Million for Gympie: A Game-Changer for Regional Growth
As part of Round One of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, the Gympie region will receive $42 million towards two major infrastructure projects designed to fast-track housing delivery:
- $36.6 million towards the Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) – Phase 1, a $40.7 million project focused on securing water supply for the region.
- $5.4 million towards the Infrastructure Staging for Urban Investigation area, a $6.9 million initiative aimed at maximising the Bruce Highway Upgrade investment and unlocking residential and economic growth.
Combined, these projects will lay the groundwork for more than 5,300 new homes, ensuring the region can meet future demand while boosting the local economy.
“This investment of $42 million will allow us to deliver critical trunk infrastructure, unlocking 5,350 new homes in Gympie,” said Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig.
“This support is vital to addressing housing challenges in our community while supporting local jobs and economic development.”
Why Infrastructure is the Key
The RAF is not about building homes directly, it’s about funding the enabling works that make new housing possible. This means essential trunk infrastructure like water, sewerage, stormwater, and roads that allow developers to bring land to market faster.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on our election commitment to give more Queenslanders a place to call home by funding shovel-ready projects like the Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie.
“This project and partnership with Gympie Regional Council will transform the housing landscape in the region, giving more Queenslanders a place to call home.”
According to the Government, these infrastructure upgrades will not only unlock housing supply but also support economic growth by creating jobs and leveraging the state’s investment in transport corridors such as the Bruce Highway.
RAF: A Cornerstone of Queensland’s Housing Strategy
The Residential Activation Fund, announced as part of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, is a cornerstone policy for the Crisafulli Government. Originally earmarked for $500 million, the fund was doubled to $1 billion for its first round in response to overwhelming demand from councils and developers with shovel-ready projects. In total, the RAF will invest $2 billion over its lifetime.
The fund has already attracted 178 submissions, with 64 from South East Queensland and 114 from regional, rural, and remote areas. Importantly, at least half of the total funding is dedicated to regional Queensland, reflecting the Government’s commitment to decentralisation and regional growth.
“The Residential Activation Fund is just one way the Crisafulli Government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to grow ahead of 2032 and beyond,” said Deputy Premier Bleijie.
“We’re breaking down barriers for infill and greenfield developments across the state.”
Building for the Future: One Million New Homes by 2044
The Residential Activation Fund is part of a broader strategy to deliver one million new homes by 2044, addressing Queensland’s housing supply crisis and catering for projected population growth.
The focus on trunk infrastructure is strategic: by removing one of the biggest bottlenecks to residential development, the state can accelerate delivery and avoid costly delays that have plagued many regions in recent years.
“Delivering critical trunk infrastructure like this means we’re not just planning for the future—we’re building it,” said Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett.
“This investment is a gamechanger for our region to unlock thousands of new homes, supporting local jobs, and driving long-term economic growth.”
Regional Advantage: Why Gympie is in the Spotlight
Gympie’s inclusion in the first round of funding underscores its growing importance as a residential and economic hub in Queensland. With its proximity to the Sunshine Coast and major transport links, the region is poised for significant growth—provided the enabling infrastructure is in place.
Mayor Glen Hartwig emphasised that this funding will have a profound impact on housing affordability and availability in the region.
“We’re delighted to have secured funding under the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund,” he said.
“This support is vital to addressing housing challenges in our community while supporting local jobs and economic development.”
What Happens Next?
With funding now confirmed, Gympie Regional Council will progress the delivery of the two key projects:
- GWRAP Phase 1: Essential works to improve water resilience and capacity, ensuring the region can support thousands of new residents.
- Urban Investigation Area Infrastructure: Staging works that align with the Bruce Highway Upgrade, ensuring that planned residential growth areas can be serviced effectively.
The timeline for these projects has not yet been confirmed, but the state government has signalled that all funded initiatives under Round One of the RAF will move swiftly to ensure housing delivery targets are met.
The TGB Take
For builders, developers, and suppliers, the message is clear: watch Gympie. This level of investment in enabling infrastructure signals significant opportunities for residential construction, trades, and supporting industries.
As Queensland races towards its one-million-home target by 2044, regions like Gympie—backed by state funding and infrastructure upgrades—will be at the forefront of new housing supply.
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