Unlocking 3,300 hectares of undeveloped land in the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor has been elevated to high-priority status. The site could provide 18,500 new homes, easing Cairns' housing crisis.
Council has endorsed the Securing Cairns Housing Foundations plan, urging the State Government to declare the corridor a Priority Development Area (PDA).
This move would accelerate development by streamlining approvals and securing necessary infrastructure investments.
Council's commitment to progress
To demonstrate its willingness to partner with the State, Council has committed to funding 50% of the planning phase, capped at $1.5 million.
"The PDA would signal a partnership between Council and the State Government to prioritise development and deliver affordable housing," said Cairns Mayor Amy Eden.
"We want vibrant, healthy, and sustainable communities, and getting the planning right is essential."
Infrastructure funding: a critical need
Cr Eden stressed that unlocking the corridor's potential requires substantial infrastructure investment in roads, sewer, and water networks.
"While developer contributions assist, there is a significant shortfall between actual infrastructure costs and revenue collected," Cr Eden said.
Research by the Local Government Association of Queensland shows that infrastructure charges in regional Queensland have historically covered only 39% of local government costs. Without State and Federal support, local councils would need to cover the remaining 61%, likely leading to higher rates for residents.
"Given current cost-of-living pressures, we must balance affordability and infrastructure funding. The PDA process provides the robust data needed to secure State and Federal investment," Cr Eden added.
Alignment with state housing strategies
Council's advocacy aligns with the Queensland LNP Government's Securing Our Housing Foundations plan. This 20-year strategy focuses on unlocking land for housing, building homes sooner, boosting homeownership, and supporting vulnerable people.
About the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor
- Located between Edmonton and Gordonvale, west of the Bruce Highway
- Comprises 3,300 hectares, with half considered developable
- Cairns' last remaining greenfield development area of this scale
- Potential to provide 18,500 new homes for 42,500 residents
