The state has set itself the mandate to “use it or house it” and is inviting developers to register interest in land owned by the government.
The Queensland government has announced a new program to release underutilised government-owned land to fast-track new housing across the state.
Part of the Crisafulli government’s plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044, the Land Activation Program (LAP) allows developers to identify and register interest in surplus government land suitable for housing.
The new program will release underutilised government land to fast-track housing across the state. Picture: Getty
The program will be led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), which can fast-track the delivery of new homes under the Economic Development Act 2012.
The program is also exempt from the Queensland Government Land Transaction Policy, allowing land transfers to occur at residual value.
Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said the initiative was about accelerating supply and removing barriers.
“Queensland is now open for business and we are getting on with the job, cutting red tape, accelerating approvals and bringing development-ready land to market,” Mr Bleijie said.
Under the program, EDQ can also accept proposals from industry identifying government-owned sites with potential for housing. EDQ will then investigate the site and provide advice on its suitability within 30 business days.
The first site to be released through the program is more than six hectares of vacant land in Banyo, in Brisbane’s north, which could deliver up to 400 new homes.
A former Energex depot, this site is located 13km from Brisbane’s CBD and within walking distance of a train station, shops and a range of public amenities.
Following the government’s approval of the LAP policy, EDQ formally expressed interest to Energy Queensland, as landowner, seeking a transfer of the land at residual value to enable housing development. The transfer has now been completed, making it one of the first LAP sites to be brought to market.
The first release is in Banyo, 13km from Brisbane's CBD. Picture: Getty
The state government has also announced it will introduce a “use it or house it” policy, requiring surplus state-owned land to be released and developed for housing where it is no longer needed.
Queensland Property Council executive director Jess Caire welcomed the move.
“Industry has long called for a clear and comprehensive audit of underutilised government owned land, because identifying and activating surplus sites is critical to unlocking the new housing supply our state urgently needs,” Ms Caire said.
“This program represents a meaningful commitment to delivering more supply sooner and industry looks forward to working with government to ensure these opportunities translate into tangible more roofs over heads outcomes for Queensland families.”
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