Housing is a key priority in Townsville Enterprise’s 2024 State Election Priorities. With a vacancy rate that has remained below 1% since 2020. To meet demand over the next five years current development activity would have to increase by 67%, suggesting that Townsville’s housing crisis is only set to worsen without Government intervention.
Townsville Enterprise has put forward a comprehensive $65 million housing package to unlock over 5,600 new homes across various suburbs by addressing critical trunk infrastructure needs—such as roads, sewer, and water systems. This package also calls for a $50 million investment in high-density build-to-rent housing within the Townsville CBD, alongside policy reforms to support housing development at the TropiQ precinct and in regional areas of Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Charters Towers, and the Burdekin.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, emphasises that the region’s $36 billion pipeline of major projects, which requires more than 20,000 additional workers, is at risk without immediate housing solutions.
“As our population grows, it's crucial we invest in residential infrastructure to relieve the acute housing crisis. We simply cannot allow something as fundamental as housing to delay tens of billions of dollars in economic development,”
“This is not just about roofs over heads—it’s about securing the future prosperity of our region.”
“We understand housing pressures are felt across the state, but our solutions are simple, cost-effective, and will deliver results. A $65 million investment could unlock more than 5,600 new homes—that’s less than $12,000 per home, offering a significant return on investment.”
Ms. Brumme-Smith also called attention to the pressing need for a revitalised CBD.
“Townsville’s CBD is struggling, and the solution lies in increasing density through modern, affordable housing. A $50 million high density build-to-rent commitment will inject new life into our city.”
The housing package extends beyond Townsville.
“Regional communities like Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers, and Palm Island can’t be left behind. We’ve worked closely with local councils to propose simple policy changes that will open up new land and create housing opportunities in these areas.”
“We can’t stress enough the urgency of this crisis. That’s why we’re calling on all political parties to commit to solving North Queensland’s housing epidemic this election.”
Hannah Bradley who has been searching for a house for more than 24 months and is currently still living at home, knows firsthand the realities of the housing crunch.
“There’s a lot of talk about the less-than-1% vacancy rate, but living through it is something else entirely. I’ve been unable to move out of home because of the limited availability of rentals. Housing is a basic human right, and it’s frustrating to see so much opportunity here, but no places to live,” said Mary.
“The solutions are there, but we need the funding now. We can’t have doctors, nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and skilled workers moving here only to find themselves homeless.”
Glen Maidment, Managing Director of Maidment Development supports Townsville Enterprise’s call for immediate action.
“Maidment Group has over?3,000-lots ready to go but the only thing standing in its way is trunk infrastructure”, states Glen.
“It’s quite simple, we can’t deliver land for locals to build homes without the key infrastructure that supports these developments. This includes things such as major intersections, access roads, water & sewerage treatment facilities.
“The solution is straightforward because it needs to be. A $65 million investment from government would be an absolute game changer. Having access to funds to deliver infrastructure will unlock the access to thousands of homes, securing future jobs and investment for Townsville.”?
For more information about Townsville Enterprise’s State Election Priorities and the proposed housing package, visit townsvilleenterprise.com.au.
