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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Funding infrastructure at Mount Peter vital for housing boost (NQ)

Media release

Funding infrastructure at Mount Peter vital for housing boost (NQ)

Media release
“A strong pipeline of new shovel-ready residential land at Mount Peter is fundamental to putting downward pressure on housing prices across the entire region,” said HIA Executive Director North Queensland, Peter Fry.

“Fewer lots mean fewer homes, higher prices and a tighter rental market. This also means fewer reasons for new industries and businesses to invest in Cairns with limited accommodation available for workers. 

“Detached houses have always done well and will continue to do the heavy lifting for housing supply in Cairns. This requires new land and recent indicators confirm that the future pipeline of residential land is declining,” added Mr Fry.

“Recent data from the Queensland Government supports industry concerns that the future pipeline of residential land is in critical shortages. From 2019 to 2023, lot approvals fell by around 60 per cent when compared to the previous five-year period (2014–2018)1. Mount Peter will play a key role in ensuring enough new houses can be built in Cairns.

“Mount Peter has a long history but little progress. This area went through an extensive structure planning process in 2008. More than 15 years later, it is unacceptable this area remains mired in uncertainty relating to essential infrastructure.

“While past councils have dropped the ball, the current council needs to pick it up fast, securing a funding arrangement from both levels of government for infrastructure will empower industry to bring new-shovel ready land to the market sooner.

“Industry, local businesses and aspiring homeowners need Council to advocate for them to ensure Cairns is front of mind when the Crisafulli Government reviews applications to their new $2 billion infrastructure fund or any other opportunities to get Mount Peter back on track,” concluded Mr Fry.

For more information please contact:

Peter Fry

Executive Director – North Queensland
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