General News
29 July, 2025
Funds to unlock more new homes
LOCAL councils will be given additional funds to fast-track critical infrastructure such as sewerage, water and roads, so that more new homes can be built in the region.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund would support the construction of several critical infrastructure projects that would “unlock up to 3,000 lots” in Far North Queensland.
“A lot of those will be in my electorate of Cook, all the way from Mareeba, to Cooktown, all the way through to the Torres Strait,” he said.
“We have a desperate need for housing, and this is exactly the news they want to hear after 10 years of Labor’s neglect.
“I’m really pleased to have received funding for 10 critical projects within my Cook electorate, with the projects set to unlock more than 2,200 homes.”
He said projects would be delivered in partnership with Aurukun Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Mareeba Shire Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Tablelands Regional Council.
The State Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering up to $1 billion for round one of the Residential Activation Fund, doubled from the original $500 million, in response to the overwhelming support and availability of shovel-ready projects.
Round one funding focuses on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads needed to unlock new residential developments and ease the housing crisis.
