RAF Round 2 funding to unlock 3,000 new homes in Townsville's south

Townsville City Council has secured $64.5 million from the Queensland Government through Round 2 of the Residential Activation Fund (RAF) to deliver critical wastewater infrastructure needed to support future housing growth in the city's south.

The funding will contribute to a $73.8 million project that includes the upgrade of the Vickers Road Sewerage Pump Station and construction of new wastewater infrastructure in the Upper Ross growth corridor.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the funding was a significant win for Townsville and would help deliver the trunk infrastructure needed to support more than 3,000 future homes.

“Housing remains one of the biggest pressures facing Townsville and our region, so this is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need to unlock new housing and support our growing population,” Cr Dametto said.

“Council approved a record number of more than 1,200 residential lots in the past 12 months, and we're continuing to streamline processes while ensuring growth is planned and sustainable.

"This funding will allow Council to deliver critical wastewater infrastructure in the Upper Ross, helping unlock more housing opportunities in one of our fastest-growing areas."

Division 4 Councillor Kristian Price thanked the Queensland Government for working in partnership with Council and local developers to deliver new housing for the Upper Ross.

“Both Council and property developer Urbex have secured funding for the Upper Ross in this round of the RAF, meaning a total of $80 million will be invested by the State Government across two critical water and sewer infrastructure projects for our community,” Cr Price said.

“The Upper Ross is one of Townsville's key growth areas, and this funding will allow us to deliver the essential sewer infrastructure needed to support future growth and unlock housing across the southern parts of our city.

“As a Council, we want to do what we can to make sure the trunk infrastructure needed to keep growing the city is in place.

“The success we have had through the RAF means we are able to deliver on this commitment without putting further pressure on ratepayers.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was a clear demonstration of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to building Queensland’s future with a place to call home for more Queenslanders.

“The Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund is pulling every lever to increase housing supply, because you can’t build homes without the roads, water and sewerage infrastructure to support them,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“Availability equals affordability and by ensuring supply is unlocked, while also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first homebuyers, we’re delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, and the fresh start we promised them.”

Council has now secured a total of $94 million in Queensland Government funding through the first two rounds of the RAF.

This includes $29.5 million secured in Round 1 for upgrades to Svensson Road, Northshore Boulevard and the Bruce Highway intersection.