Locals are being asked to help shape where nearly 50,000 new homes will be built in Queensland's northernmost region over the next two decades.
The Queensland government has released a draft Far North Queensland (FNQ) Regional Plan outlining the region’s future housing, infrastructure and economic priorities.
It forms part of the state’s broader commitment to deliver 13 separate regional plans across the state — a $31.316 million initiative first announced in the 2025–26 budget.
The state government is targeting an additional 48,485 new homes for Far North Queensland by 2046. Picture: Getty
Made in partnership with the region’s eight local governments, the draft plan sets a priority of boosting housing supply in “well-located, infrastructure-supported areas”. To achieve this, the state has set a target of building 48,485 additional new homes by 2046 or around 1940 homes each year.
According to the Queensland government’s statistician office, FNQ is expected to reach a population of 380,000 by 2046 – up from 300,000 currently – which means the region will need between 34,455 and 48,485 new homes to accommodate this growth.
The plan puts all land in the region into one of three land use categories: Urban Footprint, Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area or Rural Living Area. According to the government, this ensures delivery of residential growth while supporting the protection of the region’s landscape.
Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie described the plan as “the most ambitious program of regional planning” the state has undertaken, noting that it was developed with input from councils, developers and locals.
“With the population in the Far North expected to grow to around 380,000 people by 2046, now is the time for locals to have their say,” he said.
“For the first time, land use planning will include a supporting infrastructure plan in response to industry and local government feedback and in line with our election commitment.”
As part of the plan, the state has also introduced a new priority development area at Mount Peter – just south of Cairns’ centre – which will deliver 18,500 new homes alone in the area.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) said the draft FNQ plan is the “first step” towards securing integrated land use and infrastructure planning for the state.
“Regional planning is an opportunity for a conversation about growth and the amplification of a region's natural assets and economic future,” UDIA Queensland chief executive officer Kirsty Chessher-Brown said.
“The property industry looks forward to engaging with the eight councils and state government in reviewing the draft Plan and ultimately, ensuring the implementation delivers for the region and current and future communities.”
The draft plan is open for public consultation until 5 January 2026. Locals can review the plan and make submissions via the Queensland government’s website.
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