Crisafulli Government Residential Activation Fund backs critical infrastructure to address housing shortfall
The Bundaberg region is set to benefit from a major housing push, with the Queensland Government announcing funding for six key infrastructure projects designed to unlock more than 10,000 new homes. This comes as part of the first round of the Residential Activation Fund, a $2 billion initiative under the Crisafulli Government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan.
The Residential Activation Fund, which was doubled from $1 billion in the latest State Budget due to overwhelming demand, is central to the Government’s strategy to ease the state’s housing pressures and deliver on its ambitious target of one million new homes by 2044.
What is planned for Bundaberg?
Bundaberg’s fast-tracked projects will receive $11 million in funding aimed at unlocking 10,068 homes. The largest slice, $7.7 million, will go towards upgrading the Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant’s inlet works. This high-priority project is key to progressing the Branyan Local Area Plan and other residential developments flagged by Bundaberg Regional Council.
Another significant investment is $1.5 million for the Childers Wastewater Treatment Plant detailed design. This essential trunk infrastructure will support future development growth across the wider region.
Other funded projects in Bundaberg include:
- $840,000 for Elliott Heads Growth Precinct water and sewerage design, supporting over 3,700 planned residential lots
- $520,000 for Ashfield Growth Precinct sewerage design, unlocking more than 4,900 residential lots
- $240,000 for an intersection upgrade at Back Windermere and Barolin Homestead Roads, Coral Cove
- $176,000 for Kellys Road stormwater infrastructure
A focus on regional Queensland
The Residential Activation Fund has received 178 project submissions, with 114 coming from regional, rural, and remote areas. At least half of the $2 billion fund is earmarked to support housing projects outside South East Queensland, recognising the acute supply challenges faced in regional communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, highlighted the program’s regional focus.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on our election commitment to give more Queenslanders a place to call home by investing in six critical infrastructure projects in the Bundaberg region,” he said. “This is just one way we are creating jobs, unlocking housing, and ensuring Queensland continues to grow ahead of 2032 and beyond.”
Partnering for housing supply
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn welcomed the funding, describing it as essential to meeting local housing demand and supporting economic development.
“This support is vital to addressing housing challenges in our community while supporting local jobs,” she said. “We are proud to work alongside the Queensland Government on this important initiative.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett added that the investment would make a tangible difference to housing availability.
“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.
Will it be enough to ease the housing squeeze?
While these investments have been welcomed by local leaders, the question remains whether infrastructure funding alone can keep pace with housing demand. With population growth continuing and land supply tight, builders will be watching closely to see how quickly these projects translate into lots ready for development.
The success of the Residential Activation Fund will ultimately be measured not just in homes unlocked, but in how effectively it supports builders, trades, and suppliers to bring affordable housing to market at the scale and speed Queensland needs.
Have your say
Does this initiative go far enough to tackle housing shortages in regional Queensland? We want to hear from builders, developers, and suppliers. Share your views by emailing us at [email protected]
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