Homes, Growth and Infrastructure for Far North Queensland

A major step forward for housing supply in Far North Queensland has been announced, with the declaration of a new Priority Development Area (PDA) at Mount Peter in Cairns’ Southern Growth Corridor.

The Mount Peter PDA will unlock up to 18,500 new homes, helping to meet long-term housing demand and support the region’s growth. An early development area will fast-track the delivery of approximately 200 new homes.

Unlocking housing opportunities

Mount Peter is the last major greenfield site in the Cairns Local Government Area (LGA) and has long been earmarked as a key growth area. The PDA will accelerate housing supply and provide a clearer path for development through:

• Unlocking the delivery of thousands of homes to meet community needs.
• Fast-tracking housing delivery within an Early Development Area.
• Improving planning coordination, as part of Economic Development Queensland’s (EDQ’s) special PDA planning powers.

Infrastructure and future planning

The PDA will help overcome previous barriers to development, including the coordinated delivery of supporting infrastructure. It will also support liveability and long-term growth by enabling infrastructure and facilities in proximity to the Cairns South State Development Area.

EDQ is delivering the PDA in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, industry and the community.

What’s next?

An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) is now in effect and enables development applications to proceed immediately for the Early Development Area.

Over the next 18 months, EDQ will prepare a PDA Development Scheme in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, the community and relevant stakeholders. Community engagement and public notification will form a key part of this process, with opportunities and formal notice announced on our Have Your Say site.

To learn more about Priority Development Areas and how they support Queensland’s growth, visit www.edq.qld.gov.au.