The Queensland government is taking bold action to address the housing crisis by releasing underutilized land for development. With a mandate to 'use it or house it', they're inviting developers to register interest in government-owned land, aiming to fast-track new housing projects across the state. This initiative, known as the Land Activation Program (LAP), is part of a larger plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044. The program is led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), which can expedite the delivery of new homes under the Economic Development Act 2012. It's also exempt from the Queensland Government Land Transaction Policy, allowing land transfers to occur at residual value. The first site to be released is a former Energex depot in Banyo, Brisbane's north, offering up to 400 new homes. Located 13km from the CBD and within walking distance of amenities, this site is a prime example of how the program can transform underutilized land into much-needed housing. The state government has also introduced a 'use it or house it' policy, requiring surplus state-owned land to be developed for housing when no longer needed. This move is particularly timely, as more Australians are moving to Queensland, with the state's regions experiencing the largest net gain from inter-regional migration in the 12 months to September 2025. The Queensland Property Council's executive director, Jess Caire, praised the initiative, emphasizing the industry's long-standing call for a comprehensive audit of underutilized government-owned land. By identifying and activating surplus sites, the program is crucial for unlocking the new housing supply the state desperately needs. As the program progresses, developers and the public alike will be eager to see the tangible outcomes, with the potential to provide more roofs over heads for Queensland families.
