Share and Follow
In a significant move, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie launched a major housing initiative today, commencing with the sale of a development project featuring 400 homes in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
This new initiative, led by developers, has encountered opposition from both local community members and housing advocates, who have voiced their concerns.
The program essentially serves as a land release strategy, transforming underutilized state-owned properties into opportunities for private development.
The inaugural site, a six-hectare area in Banyo, is transitioning from its previous role as an Energex depot to become the site of 400 new residences.
“Our focus is on increasing supply, supply, supply, and we are committed to collaborating with the private sector,” emphasized Bleijie.
“When government and industry work in lockstep, we can actually deliver things faster.”
But Queensland Council of Social Service chief executive Aimee McVeigh had questions over affordability.
“The concern is, that this plan won’t deliver more social and affordable housing for Queenslanders, which is so sorely needed,” she said.
Local residents are also critical, claiming they weren’t consulted and calling for better infrastructure in the area.
“[I’m] happy to see it developed and it needs to be developed but now they’re talking high density, 400 housing, the streets just can’t handle it,” neighbouring resident Keith Bitossi told 9News.
Fellow resident Chris Vale agreed.
“The infrastructure for roads, stormwater and sewer just cannot handle what we’ve got now,” he said.
Criticism aside, the deputy premier is expected to announce further sites across the state in coming days and the land sales won’t stop there.
Under the new scheme, developers can also register interest in public land not already earmarked for sale.
The government stresses it isn’t about selling land for the right price, it’s “about land activation and housing supply”.
But opposition spokesman for state development Cameron Dick isn’t buying it.
“This LNP plan is a big win for property developer and a massive loss for Queenslanders seeking to put a roof over their own head,” he said.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.