In a significant move to address the pressing issue of housing affordability and supply in Queensland, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has expressed strong support for a landmark agreement between the Commonwealth and Queensland Government. The agreement, valued at more than $2 billion, aims to facilitate the construction of up to 51,000 new homes across the state, with a substantial portion dedicated to first-home buyers.

HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin, hailed the announcement as a pivotal step towards enhancing housing supply and affordability. “The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Commonwealth and Queensland Government’s announcement of more than $2 billion agreement to support the delivery of up to 51,000 new homes, including 20,000 exclusively for first home buyers across the state,” Ms Martin stated.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Australian Government will contribute $2 billion, which includes $399 million in grants and $1.6 billion in concessional loans earmarked for essential infrastructure. In a show of commitment, the Queensland Government will match the grant funding with an additional $399 million investment. This collaborative effort aims to reserve more than 20,000 homes specifically for first-home buyers, addressing one of the critical barriers to homeownership.

“This announcement recognises that the fastest and most effective way to help first-home buyers is to unlock more housing supply, and that means removing the infrastructure and planning barriers holding projects back,” Ms Martin emphasised. She further highlighted the significance of targeted enabling infrastructure funding, which is crucial in unlocking housing supply and accelerating delivery.

The initiative forms part of the Albanese Government’s broader commitment to collaborate with states and territories to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first-home buyers nationwide. This focus on unlocking housing supply through strategic infrastructure investments is expected to alleviate some of the bottlenecks that have historically hindered housing projects.

Michael Roberts, HIA Executive Director Queensland, echoed the sentiments of readiness and urgency among builders across the state. “Queensland builders are ready to deliver, but too many projects are slowed by infrastructure constraints and delays outside their control,” Mr Roberts remarked. He pointed out that addressing these constraints is essential for bringing housing projects to fruition more swiftly.

The agreement also prioritises development in key growth regions, targeting Priority Development Areas such as Mount Peter, Southern Thornlands, and Waraba. “Targeting Priority Development Areas such as Mount Peter, Southern Thornlands and Waraba is a positive step that will help bring forward new housing opportunities in key growth regions,” Mr Roberts noted.

The HIA has long advocated for a coordinated approach across all levels of government to bolster housing supply. This includes planning reform, streamlined approvals, and investment in infrastructure, alongside measures to expand the construction workforce. The recent funding announcement is viewed as a strong indicator of the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.

“Any investment that helps unlock land, bring forward essential services and get homes to market sooner will make a real difference for Queensland first-home buyers, and ease broader supply constraints,” Mr Roberts added. He stressed the importance of getting the fundamentals right—land, infrastructure, and approvals—as key to improving housing affordability in Queensland.

The HIA’s endorsement of the agreement underscores the industry’s readiness to meet the challenge of delivering more homes for Queenslanders. “This welcome funding sends a clear signal to industry that governments are serious about boosting housing supply, and builders are ready to get on with the job of delivering more homes for Queenslanders,” Ms Martin concluded.

As the state prepares to embark on this ambitious housing project, the collaboration between government bodies and industry stakeholders is poised to make a meaningful impact on the housing landscape in Queensland, ultimately benefiting first-home buyers and the broader community.