Locals are being asked to shape where nearly 50,000 new homes will be built in Queensland’s northernmost region over the next 20 years.
The Queensland Government has released a draft Far North Queensland (FNQ) Regional Plan, which sets out the region’s future housing, infrastructure and economic priorities.
It is part of the state’s broader commitment to implement thirteen separate regional plans across the state – a $31.316 million initiative first announced in the 2025-2026 budget.
The draft plan, drawn up in collaboration with the region’s eight local authorities, prioritizes boosting housing supply in “well-located, infrastructure-supported areas”. To achieve this, the state has set a target of building 48,485 additional new homes annually by 2046 or around 1940.
According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, FNQ is expected to reach a population of 380,000 by 2046 – up from the current 300,000 – meaning the region will need between 34,455 and 48,485 new homes to accommodate this growth.
The plan places all land in the region into one of three land use categories: urban footprint, regional landscape and rural production area or rural residential area. According to the government, this will ensure housing growth and at the same time support the protection of the region’s landscape.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie described the plan as “the most ambitious regional planning program” the state has undertaken, noting it was developed with input from councils, developers and local residents.
“With the population in the Far North expected to grow to around 380,000 people by 2046, now is the time for locals to have their say,” he said.
“For the first time, land use planning will include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to feedback from industry and local government and in line with our election pledge.”
As part of the plan, the state has also introduced a new priority development area at Mount Peter – just south of central Cairns – which will deliver 18,500 new homes in the area alone.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) said the draft FNQ plan is the “first step” towards securing integrated land use and infrastructure planning for the state.
“Regional planning is an opportunity for a conversation about growth and strengthening a region’s natural resources and economic future,” said Kirsty Chessher-Brown, CEO of UDIA Queensland.
“The real estate industry looks forward to working with the eight municipalities and the state government to review the draft plan and ultimately ensure that its implementation delivers results for the region and current and future communities.”
The draft plan is open for public consultation until January 5, 2026. Locals can view the plan and submit comments via the Queensland Government website.
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