Here’s a bold move that could reshape Queensland’s housing landscape: the state government has just unleashed a game-changing initiative to tackle the housing crisis head-on. But here’s where it gets controversial—they’re not just talking about building homes; they’re flipping the script by turning unused government land into housing hubs. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about land release; it’s a strategic push to cut red tape, accelerate approvals, and bring development-ready sites to market faster than ever before.
The Queensland government has launched the Land Activation Program (LAP), a pivotal part of the Crisafulli government’s ambitious plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044. This program isn’t just a policy—it’s a mandate to ‘use it or house it.’ Developers are now invited to register interest in surplus government land, much of which has been sitting idle, waiting for a purpose. The goal? To fast-track housing development across the state, addressing the urgent need for more homes as Queensland becomes Australia’s fastest-growing state.
Led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the LAP leverages the Economic Development Act 2012 to expedite the delivery of new homes. Here’s the kicker: the program is exempt from the Queensland Government Land Transaction Policy, allowing land transfers to occur at residual value. This means less bureaucracy and more action, as Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie puts it, ‘Queensland is now open for business.’
One of the first sites to hit the market is a former Energex depot in Banyo, just 13km from Brisbane’s CBD. Spanning over six hectares, this prime location could house up to 400 new homes, all within walking distance of a train station, shops, and public amenities. This isn’t just a plot of land—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when government and industry collaborate.
But here’s the controversial question: Is this enough? While the LAP is a significant step, some critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the housing shortage. The Queensland Property Council’s Jess Caire applauds the initiative but emphasizes the need for a comprehensive audit of underutilized land. ‘Identifying and activating surplus sites is critical,’ she says, ‘but will it be enough to meet the demand?’
As more Australians flock to Queensland—the state recorded the largest net gain from inter-regional migration in the 12 months to September 2025—the pressure is on. The ‘use it or house it’ policy is a start, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. What do you think? Is this the solution Queensland needs, or is there more to be done? Let’s spark the debate—share your thoughts in the comments below.
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