{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Federal Government's regional housing boost welcomed

Media release

Federal Government's regional housing boost welcomed

Media release
“HIA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment of $50 million to support increased social housing supply through the construction of enabling infrastructure in Far North Queensland,” HIA Executive Director Peter Fry said today.

“Across the whole housing continuum, Australia faces housing shortages. This includes private housing, private and long-term rentals, community housing and temporary accommodation.

“Social housing is a critical component of the nation’s overall housing stock and currently represents only around 4 per cent of the total residential market. Investment in social housing, particularly in the often-times neglected regional areas of Australia, is both needed and welcomed. 

“Federal government investment in enabling infrastructure is particularly welcomed as local councils frequently lack the capital to immediately and comprehensively service new and growing communities in regional areas,” said Mr Fry.

“Queensland is experiencing ongoing elevated interstate migration and the steady and speedy delivery of housing of varying types particularly across regional North Queensland is essential to ensure affordability doesn’t deteriorate further. Any investment that provides the opportunity to put a roof over a North Queenslanders head will undoubtably offer economic benefits to the community.

“The latest ABS approvals data shows a patchwork picture across the north of the state with October 2024 YTD figures showing a 4 per cent increase on dwelling approvals against the previous year for North Queensland but regional areas like Far North Queensland are down 15 per cent for the same period. Meanwhile, Mackay/Whitsundays are performing strongly in new building approvals (+28 per cent ), as well as Central Qld (+11 per cent).  

“While this announcement is welcomed more needs to be down to encourage the delivery of all forms of housing particularly in regional areas” concluded Mr Fry.

For more information please contact:

Peter Fry

Executive Director – North Queensland
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
30 May
Detached house approvals picking up

“There were 9,490 detached homes approved in the month of April 2025, up by 3.3 per cent compared to the previous month,” stated HIA Senior Economist Maurice Tapang.

29 May
State Budget is a missed opportunity to stimulate housing

The Treasurer has handed down the 2025/26 Tasmanian Budget. The Budget focuses on alleviating cost of living pressures, health, education and infrastructure, while mapping out a path to a fiscal balance surplus in 2032/2033.

29 May
HIA supports bipartisan approach to planning reform NSW

“The NSW planning system has failed to deliver the number of homes we desperately need and we fully support removing the politics from housing, to address this growing crisis,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.

27 May
Opposition pledge to remove stamp duty for first home buyers welcomed (Vic)

The Victorian Opposition’s announcement that it would remove stamp duty for first-home buyers spending up to $1 million on a new or existing home if elected at next year’s state election, is a positive step towards improving home affordability,” says Steven Wojtkiw, HIA Victoria Deputy Executive Director.