- Crisafulli Government delivering record $5.7 billion investment in building new social and community homes across Queensland.
- Construction of 253 social and affordable homes underway in Townsville, including social housing project taking shape at Kelso.
- $21.6 million boost for local frontline housing and homelessness services to support vulnerable North Queenslanders.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders after the social housing waitlist blew out under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a place to call home for more vulnerable Queenslanders in the State’s north and securing vital multi-year support for the region’s frontline homelessness services.
North Queenslanders are continuing to feel the impact of Labor’s Housing Crisis, after a decade that saw housing approvals fall by 36 per cent across Queensland, rents rise by almost 60 per cent, and the social housing register grow almost 80 per cent.
While Labor averaged just 509 social and community homes a year, the Crisafulli Government is on track to deliver 2,000 homes a year on average from 2028, including boosting housing supply and supporting vulnerable people across Townsville and North Queensland.
The 2026-27 Budget delivers the biggest ever investment into building new social and community housing, with $5.7 billion over four years to continue the record 6,500 social and affordable homes currently underway across the State.
This pipeline includes 13 social homes under construction in the Townsville suburb of Kelso and another 24 social homes at Rasmussen, with more on the way.
These projects are just part of the government’s plan to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
The Budget also provides $21.6 million to deliver housing and homelessness services to vulnerable people in the North Queensland region, to help them to secure longer-term housing and access other specialist support services.
Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said the Crisafulli Government was delivering new social and community homes in every corner of the state.
“Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home – that’s why we’re delivering another record investment into building new social and community housing,” Minister O’Connor said.
“After a decade under Labor where supply went nowhere near keeping up with supply, we are unlocking land, funding infrastructure and getting more homes out of the ground, sooner.
“While Labor delivered an average of just 509 social homes a year, the Crisafulli LNP Government is now delivering over 2,000 social and affordable homes a year
“We have more than 250 social and affordable homes now underway in Townsville, building on the 108 homes we have delivered in the area since we were elected.
“This project at Kelso is a great example of how we are getting safe and secure homes off the ground where they’re needed most.
“Combined with our investment in specialist homelessness services and crisis support, it means more vulnerable people in North Queensland will have the housing help they need, sooner.”
Assistant Minister for North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the Budget was continuing the work of repairing Queensland’s housing system after a decade of Labor failure.
“Labor’s decade of decline brought another level of homelessness where individuals and families were living out of their cars more than ever before,” Mrs Poole said.
“Our investment means more support for vulnerable people who need housing assistance and homelessness services.”
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the Budget was delivering more homes where they’re needed most.
“We already have more than 250 social and affordable homes underway across Townsville, with projects like Kelso and Rasmussen helping deliver more housing where it’s needed most as part of our record $5.7 billion investment in social and community housing across Queensland,” Ms Marr said.
“Combined with funding for frontline homelessness services across North Queensland, this investment will help more vulnerable people access support sooner and find a safe and secure place to call home.”
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the Budget was delivering for a growing region that needs more housing and stronger support services.
“Townsville is growing rapidly and this Budget ensures our region is getting the investment needed to keep up with demand,” Mr Baillie said.
“The $21.6 million boost for frontline housing and homelessness services across North Queensland will help more vulnerable people access the support they need to secure and sustain a place to call home.”
Woollam Constructions Regional Manager Townsville Mark Lovelady said Woollam was proud to support the delivery of the new Kelso social housing development, helping to address the growing demand for safe, secure, and affordable housing across the region.
“This development represents a significant investment in housing infrastructure and community wellbeing, providing 13 high-quality homes for individuals and families who need housing support.
“Through strong collaboration between government and industry, the project will create sustainable housing opportunities while fostering inclusive and connected communities.”
