Arabic version: حكومة كوينزلاند تكشف عن تطوير سكني في بانيوا

The Queensland government has launched the next phase of its land activation program, aimed at selling vacant and underused state-owned land for new housing developments. This initiative will see three developers take control of a site in Banyo, north of Brisbane, to build a total of 450 new homes and an aged care facility. According to ABC News, construction is anticipated to begin early next year.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who initially announced the program from a vacant 6-hectare site in Brisbane’s north in February, emphasized the need for rapid housing supply to address the ongoing housing crisis. The announcement included a 207-unit townhouse project by AR Development Group, a 180-bed aged care facility by Rockpool Holdings, and a 64-unit affordable housing development by Mission Australia Housing.

Since the program’s inception, over 21 hectares of land have been released for market development, with an additional 3,000 hectares identified for future projects. The government has introduced a “use it or house it” policy, compelling public departments to release underutilized land for private development.

While the initiative has been praised for its potential to enhance housing availability and affordability, some local residents have expressed concerns about the impact of increased housing density on local infrastructure. Banyo resident Chris Vale voiced worries over inadequate parking and existing infrastructure issues, including sewerage and stormwater management. In response, Mr. Bleijie affirmed that public consultation will be prioritized as development applications are submitted for consideration.