Queensland needs more homes. As the state’s population grows, unlocking underutilised or surplus Queensland Government land is one of the most effective ways to accelerate housing delivery where it is needed most.
The Land Activation Program (LAP) is an initiative led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to identify and activate underutilised or surplus government land to facilitate the delivery of housing.
The program focuses on removing barriers to development and supporting the market to deliver housing at pace and scale by leveraging EDQ’s unique legislative, development and policy tools.
Why the program is needed
Across Queensland, government agencies hold land that may no longer be required for operational purposes. While these sites can have strong potential for housing, they often require specialist capability or intervention to unlock them for development.
The LAP provides a clear, centralised pathway for identifying suitable sites and determining whether EDQ can play a genuine role in activating the land for housing outcomes.
How the Land Activation Program works
Once a site is proposed or identified, EDQ undertakes an initial assessment to determine whether it is suitable for the LAP. If the site is considered suitable, EDQ progresses a structured due diligence and evaluation process to develop a land activation strategy that removes barriers to development.
Where approved, EDQ may acquire the site from the owner agency, undertake activation works and divest the land to the market for development, in line with EDQ’s established governance and investment frameworks.
What types of sites are considered
For a site to be considered under the LAP, it must meet initial criteria aligned to the program objectives. Sites must:
- be owned by the Queensland Government or a related entity and be underutilised or surplus
- have the potential to deliver housing outcomes, including as part of a mixed-use development
- require unlocking or activation by EDQ
EDQ will only consider a site where it has a genuine role in activating the land using one or more of its available enablers.
Proposing a site
Members of the public, including private individuals and organisations, can propose potential LAP sites through the EDQ website. Submissions are assessed using the information requested through the LAP submission form, which is designed to support an efficient initial review.
Supporting documents are not required at the submission stage. EDQ will contact proponents directly if further information is needed as part of the assessment process.
EDQ is not obligated to enter into any agreement with a proponent who submits a site, and land is typically divested through a market process. In exceptional circumstances, EDQ may consider an exclusive transaction where proper justification exists.
EDQ will provide a response on the outcome of the initial assessment within 30 business days.
State investment considerations
Where a site requires state investment to unlock it for housing, such as enabling infrastructure, this will be assessed on a case by case basis. Consideration is given to the site’s capacity to deliver housing at pace and scale, local housing demand and the level of investment required.
Learn more
For more information about the Land Activation Program, including how to propose a site, visit:
www.edq.qld.gov.au/land-activation-program
Contact
Email: [email protected] Web: www.edq.qld.gov.au