A former unused section of the Hervey Bay TAFE campus in Urraween is set to be transformed into a new residential development, with the Queensland Government releasing the site through its Land Activation Program to help increase housing supply in the region.
The 8.8-hectare parcel of government-owned land has been identified as suitable for residential development and could provide up to 175 new homes for Queenslanders. The project is designed to support the growing Hervey Bay community by unlocking underutilised government land and creating additional housing opportunities.
The site is located in Urraween, a well-established area close to important services and facilities, including Stockland Hervey Bay Shopping Centre, Hervey Bay Hospital, St Stephen’s Hospital, local schools, the Hervey Bay Esplanade and Great Sandy Straits Marina. Its location makes it attractive for future residents, including families, seniors, first-home buyers and key workers.
The development is expected to include a new access road, improved transport connections and flood mitigation measures to support future housing growth. These upgrades aim to ensure the new community is supported by the infrastructure needed for safe and connected neighbourhoods.
The land release forms part of Queensland’s broader Land Activation Program, which identifies government-owned land that is no longer required for operational purposes and makes it available for development. The program is intended to accelerate housing delivery by working with industry and development partners.
Hervey Bay has experienced significant population growth in recent years, increasing demand for new housing options. Local representatives have highlighted the importance of creating a pipeline of diverse housing choices to support young families, workers, retirees and people looking to enter the property market.
The Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) agency is leading the program and working with government and industry partners to address planning challenges and help bring suitable land to market.
The Hervey Bay site joins other Queensland locations being progressed through the Land Activation Program, including sites in Brisbane, Townsville and the Gold Coast. The initiative is part of a wider government strategy focused on increasing housing availability across the state.
Housing affordability and supply remain major challenges across many Australian regions. Governments and councils are increasingly focusing on unlocking suitable land, improving infrastructure and speeding up approvals to help deliver more homes.
For the Fraser Coast region, the project represents an opportunity to convert unused government land into a new residential community while supporting local economic growth, construction jobs and future population needs.
