The Bundaberg region is set to see a major boost in housing supply, with the Queensland Government confirming $23.2 million in funding for infrastructure projects that will support the delivery of more than 1,400 new homes along the Coral Coast.
The investment forms part of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF), a flagship initiative designed to fast-track housing projects across the state. At least half of the total fund has been earmarked for regional and remote communities, with Bundaberg among the early beneficiaries.
Three Projects to Open Up New Land
The newly announced $23.2 million package will support three infrastructure projects:
- Coral Cove Ocean Estate – $22.2 million in trunk infrastructure to enable development of a major coastal estate, increasing land supply and paving the way for more than 1,000 homes.
- Innes Park sewer rising main upgrade – $691,459 to improve essential services and unlock residential growth.
- Poinciana Drive and Back Windemere Road intersection upgrade – $332,766 to improve local road access for new developments.
Together, these projects are expected to unlock 1,436 homes, offering a mix of residential opportunities across Bundaberg’s growing coastline.
Building on Earlier Commitments
The latest funding builds on an earlier $11 million RAF package announced for Bundaberg earlier this year, which targeted six projects to unlock 10,000 homes.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the government’s approach is to prioritise projects that are shovel-ready and capable of delivering results quickly.
“The Residential Activation Fund is designed to break down barriers to housing growth by funding the essential infrastructure needed to bring projects to market,” Mr Bleijie said. “This latest investment along the Coral Coast will mean more Queenslanders will have access to a place to call home.”
A Statewide Push for Housing Supply
Since its launch, the $2 billion RAF has received 178 project submissions, including 114 from regional and rural Queensland. In response to the strong demand, the government doubled the first round of funding from $500 million to $1 billion in the 2025–26 State Budget.
The program focuses on funding critical trunk infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roadworks—items often cited by developers and councils as the biggest hurdles to unlocking new housing.
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, said the RAF reflects the government’s broader goal of delivering one million homes by 2044.
“Regional communities like Bundaberg are seeing investment that will deliver the homes they deserve,” Mr O’Connor said. “This is about backing projects that open land, fast-track housing, and respond to local demand.”
Local Council Welcomes Support
Bundaberg Regional Council has welcomed the announcement, noting that the funding aligns with its Local Housing Action Plan, which identified catalytic infrastructure as a key barrier to meeting demand.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the funding was a vital step in addressing housing pressure.
“The Bundaberg region is facing a range of immediate and long-term housing challenges that we cannot tackle alone,” Mayor Blackburn said. “Securing this support means critical infrastructure will be delivered sooner, supporting new homes, local jobs, and the broader economy.”
Regional Balance and Housing Affordability
The decision to allocate at least half of the RAF to regional areas is a deliberate response to the challenges faced outside South East Queensland. Land shortages, rising prices, and infrastructure gaps have made it difficult for regional cities like Bundaberg to keep up with demand.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, said the RAF was providing the kind of backing needed to unlock growth in smaller communities.
“This investment ensures Bundaberg and the Burnett are receiving the attention they need to expand housing opportunities,” Mr Bennett said.
Long-Term Goals
The RAF is a central component of the government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, which aims to support population growth, ease affordability pressures, and sustain Queensland’s lifestyle.
By targeting infrastructure delivery, the government hopes to create the conditions for both infill and greenfield developments. Over time, officials say this will lead to more diverse housing supply, greater choice for buyers and renters, and improved affordability across the state.
The Good Builder Take
For builders and developers in Bundaberg, the funding provides clarity and momentum at a time when demand continues to outpace supply. The Coral Coast is a sought-after location for both locals and interstate buyers, and the delivery of trunk infrastructure could accelerate the release of much-needed land.
At a state level, the RAF is shaping up as one of the most significant interventions in Queensland’s housing market in decades. While delivery will depend on execution, coordination, and workforce capacity, the intent is clear: to bring forward projects that might otherwise stall.
For the industry, the message is that opportunities in regional Queensland are being actively supported. Builders and suppliers should watch closely as more RAF projects are announced, particularly those that align with local housing action plans and community needs.
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