Works begin on Stage 1 of Svensson Road upgrade to unlock Northern Beaches growth

Stage 1 of a critical link to open the Northern Beaches and unlock future housing supply has kicked off at Svensson Road thanks to funding in Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF).

Delivered in a private-public partnership, including Council the State Government, Maidment Group, the first stage of the works will provide upgrades to Svensson Road to create the foundation for future connection to Shoalmarra Drive and Northshore Boulevard – which will provide an important secondary access point to the growing Mount Low community in the coming years.

The entire project includes three stages that will ultimately connect Svensson Road through to North Shore Boulevard and the Bruce Highway, strengthening the region’s transport network and supporting future population growth – and be delivered in partnership with local developers Maidment Group, Turner Owens, and local and State Governments.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the project was a critical step forward in ensuring Townsville was ready for continued growth.

“Getting shovels in the ground on Stage 1 of the Svensson Road upgrade is a major milestone for Townsville’s Northern Beaches,” Cr Dametto said.

“We all know housing is one of the region’s biggest challenges moving forward, so this is exactly the type of infrastructure our city needs to unlock new developments and support our growing population.

“By improving connectivity and access, we’re laying the groundwork for thousands of future homes and ensuring our community continues to grow sustainably and thrive.”

The infrastructure investment will help facilitate the future expansion of the Sanctum community, supporting the delivery of more than 3,000 additional residential lots and reinforcing the Northern Beaches as a key growth corridor for the city.

Maidment Group Managing Director, Glen Maidment said the project demonstrated the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting long-term housing supply outcomes.

“Infrastructure and housing go hand in hand. If we want to see more homes delivered, we need to make sure the roads and supporting infrastructure are in place to enable that growth,” Mr Maidment said.

“The RAF is creating the opportunity to unlock the next stages of Sanctum and support the delivery of thousands of future homes for Townsville families. That’s a significant outcome for the broader community and the region’s future housing needs.”

The future expansion of Sanctum forms part of Maidment Group’s broader development pipeline, which includes almost 4,500 residential lots planned for future delivery across the Townsville region.

“The commencement of works highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration between government and industry to address housing supply challenges,” Mr Maidment said.

“The RAF is a compelling example of the progress that can be made when government actively supports and enables housing opportunities. As North Queensland continues to attract new residents and investment, it’s critical that all levels of government identify practical pathways to bring more land and housing supply to market.

“Projects like the Svensson Road upgrade don’t just improve connectivity, they help create the framework for future communities and ensure Townsville remains a place where people can continue to live, work and raise a family.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the Northern Beaches remains one of Townsville’s fastest-growing areas, making investment in infrastructure essential to support future housing and community growth.

“The Northern Beaches is growing rapidly, and local residents expect infrastructure to keep pace,” Mr Chiesa said.

“This project will provide a vital new connection to the Bruce Highway via Svensson Road, easing congestion on Mount Low Parkway and improving connectivity for thousands of residents.

“The Residential Activation Fund is delivering real outcomes across Hinchinbrook, with more than $35 million invested to help unlock over 2,780 homes and ensure our region has the infrastructure needed to support growth and strengthen the local economy. This is about planning for the future and making sure our communities continue to thrive as great places to live, work and raise a family.”

Council will continue working closely with the Queensland Government and industry partners to deliver the infrastructure needed to support Townsville’s future growth.