More than 6,250 new homes will be unlocked following a funding announcement of $53.5 million which is set to deliver three critical projects in the Burdekin electorate which encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. This project has been fast-tracked under the State Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a $33 million boost towards the $35 million Build Bowen South – Utilities project which will deliver a brand new 30 kilometre sewer main, five new sewage pump stations, and the upgrade of existing infrastructure to support both greenfield and infill housing developments.
The fund will also deliver a $20 million boost towards the $30 million Elliot Springs Ridge Crossing and a $500,000 boost towards the Burdekin Housing Activation Planning project to unlock more land for housing in Ayr.
The $33 million sewerage connection announcement was made by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, at Whitsunday Paradise in Bowen on Wednesday morning.
“It is under the build Whitsundays programme, and it is a sewage connection to connect this part of Bowen and Whitsunday Regional Council right through including five new sewage treatment plants and connecting to the big sewerage treatment plant,” he said.
“That's a $33 million commitment, and unless that sewage is connected from this part to the other sewerage treatment plants, these developments would not proceed. So that is a partnership not only with the Whitsunday Council, the developer, but also the State government.
“As the Brisbane Lord Mayor said the other day, a sewerage pipeline is not a sexy announcement, but it's imperative, and without it, it ain't happening. You can't get the houses-built people need.
“Access to the sewage treatment plants when they build their homes is trunk infrastructure, it's got to happen and we're just pleased to be the government now delivering on behalf of regional Queensland.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the investment would deliver long-term benefits for local families and communities.
“The former Labor Government’s decade of decline left places like Bowen with zero residential vacancies, forcing teachers into caravan parks as the housing affordability crisis deepened. The Crisafulli Government is cutting through the barriers to keep families in our region and attract workers to support our community,” Minister Last said.
“By delivering this infrastructure, we’re making sure that housing supply in North Queensland keeps pace with population growth so that young people can afford to stay and raise a family here.
“This investment will unlock thousands of homes and give young families the certainty they need with a place to call home.
“Every new home means more tradie jobs, more business for local suppliers and more confidence in our region’s future.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the investment would unlock the next stage of growth for the Whitsundays providing backbone infrastructure to enable more than 960 dwellings over the next decade.
“This funding partnership ensures we can deliver the utilities that underpin liveable communities, support housing affordability, and help families put down roots in our region,” Mayor Collins said.
“We’re grateful to the Crisafulli Government, and to our local Member Dale Last, for recognising the pressing need for housing in the Whitsundays and backing Council’s efforts to deliver real solutions.
“It's going to be a fantastic partnership for the many years ahead and I thank you very much for your support.”
Mayor Ry Collins also said the Whitsundays is the fastest growing local government area in Regional Queensland and with that growth comes pressure in terms of housing, rentals and also infrastructure.
Chairman of Bowen Collinsville Enterprise Paul Mclaughlin, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Joanne Shepherd from Bowen Chamber of Commerce. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announcing the projects at Whitsunday Paradise in Bowen. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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