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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

North Queensland President’s Report

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North Queensland's housing demand remains strong, but increasing supply continues to be challenged by affordability pressures, workforce shortages and land availability constraints.

Harald Weber

HIA North Queensland President

North Queensland’s residential building sector continues to experience strong demand, supported by population growth, lifestyle migration, defence, health, education, infrastructure and resources activity across the region.

Detached housing remains the preferred choice for many families, but affordability pressures, rising construction costs, land supply constraints and workforce shortages continue to challenge the timely delivery of new homes.

Annual dwelling approvals increased by 37 per cent across North Queensland, with strong growth recorded in Cairns/Far North Queensland, Townsville/North Queensland and Mackay–Whitsunday–Isaac. While this reflects continued confidence in the region’s long-term housing need, delays in planning approvals, infrastructure delivery and the availability of shovel-ready residential land remain significant barriers to increasing supply.

HIA North Queensland continues to advocate for practical reforms that support a sustainable and consistent residential construction sector. Key priorities include:

  • Accelerating land release and infrastructure delivery.
  • Reducing planning, regulatory and approval delays.
  • Supporting workforce development, skills attraction and industry career pathways.
  • Promoting housing diversity, affordability and choice for regional communities.

Ongoing collaboration between industry and all levels of government will be essential to provide greater certainty for builders, maintain regional jobs and support the delivery of the homes North Queensland needs.

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