BOWEN has received a $33 million boost under the Queensland Government’s $2 billion ‘Residential Activation Fund’, which will ultimately support housing developments.
Earlier today (August 27, 2025) Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins joined Deputy Premier, The Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP, Burdekin MP, The Hon Dale Last and Bowen business representatives to announce the $33 million investment in the ‘Build Bowen South Utilities Project’.
The project will deliver a brand new 30km sewer main, five new sewage pump stations, and the upgrade of existing infrastructure, to support both greenfield and infill housing developments within the Whitsunday Regional Council area.
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF)has received 178 submissions – 64 from Southeast Queensland and 114 from regional, rural and remote Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering up to $1 billion for round one of the RAF, doubled from the original $500 million, in response to the overwhelming support and availability of shovel-ready projects.
Round one funding focuses on the construction of critical trunk infrastructure needed, such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and roads needed to unlock new residential developments.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the investment would unlock the next stage of growth for the Whitsundays, providing backbone infrastructure to enable more than 960 dwellings, over the next decade.
“This funding partnership ensures we can deliver the utilities that underpin liveable communities, support housing affordability, and help families put down roots in our region,” Cr Collins said.
“We’re grateful to the Crisafulli Government, and to our local Member Dale Last, for recognising the pressing need for housing in the Whitsundays and backing Council’s efforts to deliver real solutions.
“Together, these works will unlock housing supply and pave the way for hundreds of new homes in Bowen, over the next decade.
“This investment means more housing options for local families, more jobs for local tradies, more confidence for small businesses and a stronger future for our community.”
The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is a key pillar of the Crisafulli Government’s ‘Securing Our Housing Foundations’ Plan and is breaking down the barriers for infill and greenfield developments.
The Fund will support one million new homes, by 2044, with at least 50 per cent of the overall funding to be invested in regional, rural and remote Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Residential Activation Fund was set to unlock thousands of new homes across Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is set to fast-track the delivery of three projects in the Burdekin, unlocking 6,250 much-needed homes for Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“These partnerships with local councils and private landowners will transform the housing landscape in regional, rural and remote Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home.”
