The Queensland government has unlocked more land to tackle the housing crisis on the Gold Coast, releasing a prime government-owned site in Varsity Lakes that could provide homes for hundreds of Queenslanders.
The 1.1-hectare site on Station Parade, which has sat vacant and fenced off for years, is being released under the Land Activation Program.
The initiative aims to transform under-utilised public land into productive residential precincts. The program has so far unlocked land for approximately 1,150 homes on government-owned land across Queensland, with more sites to be confirmed as the government continues its commitment to increase housing supply.
The new site has the potential to deliver up to 250 new homes in the highly connected precinct.
Located directly across from the Varsity Lakes Train Station, the precinct offers high connectivity to Robina Town Centre, Christine Corner, and major employment hubs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said unlocking land was key to fixing the housing crisis.
“By pulling every lever available to government, we are creating more opportunities for industry to build homes and for Queenslanders to find housing that’s within reach,” the minister said.
“This will deliver homes close to transport, jobs and essential services, including affordable housing options that are within reach of everyday, hardworking Queenslanders.”
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster welcomed the announcement, noting that the land release would help restore the dream of homeownership for local families.
“This land release will deliver more homes for our key workers right on the doorstep of schools, employment centres and major transport links, and within minutes of a beautiful wetland reserve and a quick trip to Burleigh Heads,” Vorster said.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has opened registrations of interest and suitable industry proponents are encouraged to apply before formal development proposals are sought in May.