Qld Government Releases Brisbane Land for Housing, With More Sites Set to Come 

The Queensland government has launched a new program to accelerate housing development by releasing underutilized government-owned land to developers. The initiative, part of a plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044, aims to streamline the process of building new housing across the state.

Land Activation Program Details

The Land Activation Program (LAP), led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), allows developers to register interest in surplus government land suitable for housing. EDQ, operating under the Economic Development Act 2012, can fast-track the delivery of new homes.

The program operates outside the usual Queensland Government Land Transaction Policy, enabling land transfers at residual value. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated the initiative is focused on accelerating supply and reducing bureaucratic obstacles.

“Queensland is now open for business and we are getting on with the job, cutting red tape, accelerating approvals and bringing development-ready land to market,” Bleijie said.

EDQ will also accept proposals from industry identifying government-owned sites with housing potential, providing suitability advice within 30 business days.

First Site Released: Banyo, Brisbane

The first site to be released under the LAP is a six-hectare vacant lot in Banyo, a suburb 13km from Brisbane’s central business district. This site has the potential to deliver up to 400 new homes.

Previously an Energex depot, the Banyo location is within walking distance of a train station, shops, and public amenities. The transfer of the land from Energy Queensland to EDQ has been completed at residual value.

“Use It or House It” Policy

Alongside the LAP, the state government will implement a “use it or house it” policy, mandating the release and development of surplus state-owned land for housing when it is no longer required for its original purpose.

Queensland has seen an influx of residents, with the regions recording the largest net gain from inter-regional migration nationally in the 12 months to September 2025, according to the latest Regional Movers Index.

Jess Caire, executive director of the Queensland Property Council, welcomed the program. “Industry has long called for a clear and comprehensive audit of underutilised government owned land, because identifying and activating surplus sites is critical to unlocking the new housing supply our state urgently needs,” Caire said. “This program represents a meaningful commitment to delivering more supply sooner and industry looks forward to working with government to ensure these opportunities translate into tangible more roofs over heads outcomes for Queensland families.”

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