What industry needs to know about engaging with EDQ

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is changing how it works with industry to unlock land for economic growth and accelerate housing delivery across Queensland. Here’s how:

1. A more direct approach in our land dealings

Stakeholders have been clear: they want faster decisions, greater transparency, and earlier engagement. We’ve heard the message – and we’ve acted. Meaningful changes are now in place to deliver on these expectations.

EDQ has updated its transaction processes to reduce red tape, complexity, and improve flexibility. These changes support housing outcomes, private sector investment, and embrace a precinct approach where the collective impact surpasses individual contributions.

We’ve introduced:

New procurement and contracting models tailored to site context, market conditions, and partner capacity
Streamlined transactions with clearer delivery pathways

Where appropriate, EDQ may consider proposals outside of a competitive tender process under our Exclusive Dealings Policy. This approach is used when:

A proponent has a unique capability, landholding, or solution that aligns with government priorities
The proposal delivers public benefit, value for money, and supports housing or economic outcomes
A competitive process would not deliver a better result for the State

All exclusive dealings are assessed under a clear framework, with oversight from an internal panel and final approval by EDQ’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Proponents must provide a substantiated rationale and demonstrate alignment with Queensland Government strategic priorities.

Aerial of Mount Peter PDA — Mount Peter PDA

Aerial of North Harbour PDA — North Harbour PDA

Land releases

Industry asked for better visibility of land release timing. EDQ has responded with a forward-looking pipeline.

EDQ is focused on unlocking surplus or underutilised Government land to support housing and economic growth. Land will be released in stages to support market demand and ensure delivery readiness.
Recently, EDQ launched a suite of new opportunities to unlock housing and industrial development across the state. From social and affordable housing to market residential and industrial projects in strategically located precincts, EDQ is facilitating economic growth, enabling prosperity, and shaping vibrant, connected communities.
Two new Priority Development Area (PDA) declarations – Mount Peter in Cairns and North Harbour in Moreton Bay – are set to unlock over 22,200 new homes across two of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions. The Mount Peter PDA will enable up to 18,500 homes in the Cairns region, while North Harbour will deliver more than 3,700 homes, alongside a 400-berth marina and a vibrant tourism and hotel precinct expected to generate nearly 2,000 jobs. Both PDAs feature Early Development Areas designed to fast-track housing supply, accelerating land release and enabling large-scale delivery
Active PDA investigations are underway across multiple locations

Engage early, deliver faster – Soft market sounding

EDQ wants to engage early with industry to shape how land is released by:

Testing market interest, delivery capacity, and preferences for packaging and procurement
Shaping transaction models (e.g. sale, lease, development agreement) and timing to align with market conditions

It’s not a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process – it’s a way to reduce risk and ensure opportunities are market-informed.

Early engagement helps reduce risk, align expectations, and improve transaction outcomes.

Aerial image of the Woolloongabba PDA — Woolloongabba PDA Aerial

Panel Members for the EDQ Industry Forum June 2025

2. Regulatory service delivery – Faster, clearer, more consistent

EDQ is improving certainty and reducing red tape for the development industry.

From July 2025, PDA service delivery KPIs will now be publicly reported. Targets include:

90% of development applications determined within 40 business days
95% of plan sealing completed within 10 business days
Customer satisfaction targets of 70%

These improvements are already backed by tangible progress:

Over 8,000 homes and lots were approved last financial year
Early engagement with local government, industry, and the community has led to multiple PDA investigations and development scheme amendments, including at Northshore Hamilton and Woolloongabba
EDQ is currently undertaking a comprehensive improvement process to enhance its regulatory services. This initiative is focused on streamlining internal systems and processes to strengthen customer focus and deliver a more consistent, efficient experience for industry

EDQ’s customer value proposition: A one-stop partner for industry

EDQ’s integrated structure – combining commercial and regulatory functions – positions us to be a one-stop shop for industry. We’re realigning how we work to make it easier for partners to engage, contract, and deliver with confidence.

We’re focused on being:

Customer-focused: We meet industry where it is – in the field, not just in the office. We’re building stronger one-on-one relationships and engaging in critical conversations early
Responsive and consistent: Our teams are aligned to deliver faster, clearer decisions. We’re standardising processes and improving internal coordination to reduce red tape and improve certainty
A trusted partner within government: We advocate for housing and economic outcomes across agencies, helping navigate approvals and unlock sites.
Performance-driven: We’re setting service delivery KPIs and publicly reporting on them – because we want to be held accountable for improving outcomes
Enablers, not gatekeepers: Whether through exclusive dealings or competitive processes, we’re removing complexity and focusing on outcomes that support housing and economic growth

Why it matters: When you work with EDQ, you’re working with a coordinated team that’s focused on enabling delivery – not making it harder.

Long-term partnerships that unlock housing

EDQ is focused on long-term, outcomes-led partnerships. We’re working with the private sector across multiple PDAs – including Greater Flagstone, where we’re supporting developers like Peet, Mirvac, PacifiQ and others through infrastructure funding and fast-tracked approvals.

These partnerships span 20–40 years and are unlocking over 50,000 new homes. In FY25–26 alone, EDQ is targeting $266M in infrastructure investment, rising to $390M by FY28–29.