Katter's Australian Party commits $415 million to health and housing in North Queensland

With just nine days until the 2024 State Election, the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) has become the first to make substantial commitments to housing and health infrastructure in Townsville North Queensland. Today, the party announced firm pledges aligned with key priorities from Townsville Enterprise’s Unlock the North State Election submission.

Today's announcements from the KAP’s includes:

• $300 million for Charters Towers Hospital: Enhancing local healthcare services and reducing the pressure on Townsville Hospital.

• $65 million for a Townsville North Queensland housing package: Delivering essential trunk infrastructure to unlock 5,650 residential lots.

• $50 million to progress a high-density Build-to-Rent housing development in Townsville CBD.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith emphasised that Townsville North Queensland is not a 'one issue region'.

"Throughout this election, we’ve been clear that Townsville North Queensland is not only looking for solutions to crime, this is not a ‘one issue region.’ To achieve the economic growth anticipated from our $30+ billion project pipeline, we need decisive investment across housing, liveability, critical infrastructure and health," Ms Brumme-Smith said.

"As of today (17 October), neither of the major parties have made commitments to local health or housing priorities. KAP is demonstrating strong support toward a number of economic development and infrastructure priorities in North Queensland. 

"The future prosperity of Townsville North Queensland hinges on strategic investments in housing, health, tourism, water security, and port infrastructure. These are not optional extras but essential pillars for unlocking the region's potential and securing a strong future for our community."

"The healthcare challenges faced by our community aren’t just economic. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about better outcomes for patients. That is why we need to see all parties committing to the health priorities identified in Unlock the North State Election Submission. An investment into a new hospital in Charters Towers will not only help to progress the region economically, but it will also change lives and boost liveability in a part of our region that is absolutely primed for investment and population growth."

"Similarly, housing remains a critical issue, with the region facing a vacancy rate below 1% and the need for 20,000 additional workers over the next five years. Addressing this shortage is essential to ensure ongoing economic development, with tens of billions of dollars at stake."

"KAP has not only shown strong support to housing but has stated that this issue is of the highest priority in negotiations should they hold the balance of power in Parliament."

"As our population grows, so must our investment in residential infrastructure to ease the current housing crisis. Ensuring people have a roof over their heads isn’t just a fundamental right—it’s essential to sustaining our region’s growth and prosperity. Without adequate housing, the progress of major projects could be delayed, affecting North Queensland’s economic trajectory."

"Housing pressures are being felt across the state, but the solutions for North Queensland are clear, cost-effective, and actionable. For just $65 million, more than 5,600 new homes could be unlocked."

KAP Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter has backed health and housing priorities to support the North.

"50 years is far and away too long to wait for a hospital redevelopment. The hospital is the same as it was when I grew up in Charters!" Mr Katter said.

"It’s great to see that TEL have identified that the Charters Towers redevelopment would not only benefit people who live in Charters, it also will take pressure off Townsville hospitals."

Mr Katter also threw his support behind TEL’s housing priorities, noting that housing pressures are being felt across the state, but the solutions for North Queensland are clear, cost-effective, and ready to go.

"For only $65 million, more than 5,600 new homes could be unlocked in and around Townsville, as well as $50M Built-to-Rent investments for critical workers."

"Townsville’s future prospects are being limited by a lack of available housing – the same is true in our western areas, in towns like Charters Towers and Hughenden."

"Despite the housing crisis seeming impossible to solve, innovating and forward-looking solutions are out there – KAP are here to support them."