News
15 December, 2024
A Fresh Start for Queensland: Church and Charity Land Unlocked for More Housing
The Queensland Government has taken a significant step toward addressing the housing shortage by progressing plans to unlock church and charity-owned land for community housing.
The Queensland Government has taken a significant step toward addressing the housing shortage by progressing plans to unlock church and charity-owned land for community housing. The Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce, which met last week, outlined key strategies to deliver up to 10,000 new community homes, with 500 to be built in the next two years in collaboration with community housing providers.
Changes to the planning framework, set to take effect this year, will simplify development approvals for community facilities zoned land. This will improve assessment pathways for social and affordable housing proposals put forward by not-for-profit and charitable organisations. The initiative is part of the Government’s 100 Day Plan and aims to provide more housing options for Queenslanders, addressing the housing crisis head-on.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, expressed the importance of these steps. “We have the bold target of building one million homes by 2044, so there’s no time to waste,” he said. “We are working with key industry groups, local governments, and the housing sector to unlock church and charity land for new homes.”
The taskforce’s efforts aim to fast-track small-scale housing projects while ensuring larger developments progress through streamlined planning approval processes. The Government is committed to removing barriers that prevent Queenslanders from accessing affordable housing.
This initiative reflects the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to increasing housing supply across the state. The taskforce will meet again in early 2025 to continue its work and ensure the timely delivery of housing solutions for Queensland communities.
