What’s happening?
The Crisafulli Government has committed $95 million for Central Queensland under a record $5.6 billion investment in social and community housing. More than 200 homes are either under construction or soon to break ground across Rockhampton, Livingstone Shire, and Gladstone.
A new seven-unit complex in Gracemere began construction in March, representing part of the growing pipeline of over 4,200 existing social homes in the region.
Why it matters
The housing commitment is part of the 2025–26 Budget, which allocates $8.1 billion to support Queensland’s long-term housing needs. It includes a historic $5.6 billion earmarked for new social and community housing over four years, alongside a locked-in baseline of $500 million annually from 2029–30.
This aims to reverse what the government describes as “Labor’s Housing Crisis”, created by years of underinvestment and long waitlists.
Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said, “We are delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, and this Budget delivers the investment to get more social and community homes out of the ground.”
By the numbers:
-
$5.6 billion: Record investment over 4 years to boost social and community housing.
-
200+ homes: In construction or under contract across Central Queensland.
-
$95 million: Allocated specifically for housing projects in Central Queensland.
-
53,500 homes: Targeted total of social and community housing to be delivered by 2044.
-
20% uplift: In specialist homelessness service support across Central Queensland.
-
$500 million annually: Secured from 2029–30 as ongoing baseline housing funding.
Zoom In
In Rockhampton, 74 homes are planned across Kawana, Koongal and Gracemere. Livingstone Shire will see 47 new homes in Yeppoon and Emu Park. Meanwhile, 106 homes are underway in Gladstone Central, South Gladstone and Kirkwood.
The Gracemere project is also designed to meet the needs of older residents and people with disability.
“One in five Queenslanders live with disability,” said Minister O’Connor. “The Gracemere project includes homes built to meet their needs.”
Donna Kirkland, Member for Rockhampton, added: “Projects like the new complex in Gracemere are essential to ease Labor’s Housing Crisis.”
Zoom Out
This is part of a broader state strategy to deliver one million new homes by 2044. The new funding also boosts headleased properties and empowers community housing providers to expedite builds.
The Budget represents Queensland’s most significant housing investment ever and is designed to align with population growth and rising housing demand.
Local Impact
Communities across Central Queensland are expected to benefit from improved housing access, especially for people with disability, older Queenslanders, and vulnerable families.
Nigel Hutton, Member for Keppel, welcomed the new homes in Emu Park and Yeppoon. “After years of neglect under Labor, these new homes will provide stability for local people who’ve been waiting too long.”
What to look for next?
Residents can expect further housing announcements as the $95 million regional funding rolls out. Progress on projects in Gracemere, Yeppoon, and Gladstone will be key indicators of how quickly the government can turn funding into completed homes.
