General News
3 December, 2025
Locals urged to consider new regional plan
MEMBER for Cook David Kempton is urging locals to have their say in the future of the region by reading and commenting on the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan.
Mr Kempton said the plan, which was developed in partnership with the region’s eight local governments, was a blueprint to ensure Far North Queensland’s growth delivered the housing, infrastructure, and jobs where they were needed.
The plan sets a target of delivering 48,485 additional homes by 2046, equivalent to around 1,940 homes annually.
Mr Kempton said that to provide the infrastructure and services required to keep pace with population growth, it was critical to have a flexible, far-reaching plan for the entire region.
“With our population set to hit 380,000 by 2046, the draft FNQ Regional plan has been welcomed by councils, planners, and developers,” he said.
“This is the first of 13 regional plans that will be released in the first term of the Crisafulli government and will be tailored to the needs of the eight councils from Douglas to Etheridge.”
Mr Kempton said the plan would reduce red tape, was underpinned by a major infrastructure plan, and would serve as a blueprint for the region’s future.
“I welcome the Deputy Premier’s decision to make the far north the first cab off the rank, showing that the Crisafulli government truly is a government for the regions,” he said.
“I will be working closely with my councils on final submissions to be sure we get the planning process right.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government was bringing local voices back into the regional planning process.
“Labor’s approach to regional planning was about dictating from Brisbane and telling councils what to do rather than listening to local communities,” he said.
“Under the Crisafulli Government, we are resetting the planning partnership with councils, giving them a seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping their region’s future – something they didn’t have under Labor’s decade of decline.
“The Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan will focus on what really matters to this region – delivering more housing supply, supporting key industries, strengthening tourism and driving economic development.
“This is the most ambitious program of regional planning Queensland has ever seen and provides certainty for councils, developers, and locals for decades to come.”
Mareeba Mayor and FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils chair Angela Toppin said the release of the FNQ Regional Plan marked an important milestone for the region.
“We are grateful for the State’s collaborative approach with councils, and we look forward to implementing the initiatives that will create lasting economic and community benefits,” Cr Toppin said.
The draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 sets out a long-term vision for the region and includes:
A clear land-use framework to guide growth and housing supply, supported by infrastructure to 2046.
Regional infrastructure policies and future planning considerations across transport, water, energy, digital connectivity, and social and community infrastructure.
Support for economic growth in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, defence, marine, and aerospace industries, and
Prioritisation of resilience in infrastructure networks, including upgrades to critical transport and freight corridors.
Public consultation for the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, including the draft FNQ Infrastructure Plan 2025, will run until 5 January 2026. Submissions will be considered in finalising the plan to ensure it meets the priorities of communities across the region.
To view the draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 and provide feedback, visit https://haveyoursay.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/projects
