{{ 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

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
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
23 May
Home building to rebound with interest rate cuts but long-term challenges remain

The number of homes commencing construction in Australia is set to increase over the next few years, driven by strong population growth, low unemployment, and falling interest rates. However, long-term structural issues continue to pose risks to housing affordability and national supply targets, according to the latest outlook from the Housing Industry Association.

22 May
More land supply to help Tasmania get back on track

HIA has been calling loudly on the State Government to release more land for new housing, as it is a fundamental element in delivering new homes and supporting housing affordability.

22 May
Home owner grants boosted in NT

Are you aware of the first home owners grant has been increased until 2026? Did you know grants are also available for existing homeowners when building new homes? Find out the latest on the HomeGrown Territory grant and FreshStart New Homes grant today.

21 May
Victorian housing lags the smaller states

“Victoria is behind Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia in HIA’s latest Housing Scorecard, reflecting a dramatic change in fortunes over the last five years,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.