Residential Activation Fund

The Queensland Government is working at pace to drive opportunities that increase the supply of housing options across the state and kickstart new housing developments. The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (the fund) aims to accelerate delivery of the critical infrastructure that is fundamental to activating residential housing projects.

At least 50% of funding will be invested outside of South East Queensland (SEQ), across regional, rural and remote local government areas. Round 1 focuses on projects that are ready to proceed now, with $500 million of the $2 billion fund available.

About the fund

The fund supports the delivery of trunk and essential infrastructure necessary to activate residential infill and greenfield housing developments. This infrastructure may include:

• water supply
• sewerage
• stormwater
• power
• transport e.g. roads.

By addressing these infrastructure needs, the fund ensures residential housing developments can proceed without delay, supporting the delivery of new homes for Queensland’s growing population.

How to apply

Submit your application through the Department’s SmartyGrants portal. This portal opened at 9am on 7 April 2025.

Key Dates

• Round 1 opens 7 April 2025
• Announcements from July 2025

Eligibility

Funding under round 1 will be available through 2 pathways.

Pathway 1 - Local governments

Queensland local governments can submit detailed, costed applications for eligible trunk and essential infrastructure projects to facilitate residential housing developments. Projects must:

• commence within 12 months of a funding agreement being executed
• be completed within 3 years of a funding agreement being executed.

Regional Queensland Local governments (outside of SEQ) can submit detailed, costed applications for eligible infrastructure planning activities to facilitate activation of residential housing developments. Projects must:

• be for the detailed design of trunk and essential infrastructure for a residential housing development or part thereof
• commence within 3 months of a funding agreement being executed.

Pathway 2 - Developers and landowners

To be eligible, developers and landowners must have:

• a company registered in Australia, and
• a Development Approval for a residential development in Queensland necessitating trunk and essential infrastructure.

Eligible developers and landowners can submit detailed, costed applications for eligible trunk and essential infrastructure projects to facilitate residential housing developments.  Projects must:

• commence within 12 months of a funding agreement being executed
• be completed within 3 years of a funding agreement being executed.

Key documents

• Program guidelines ( 556.6 KB)
• Frequently asked questions – as at 6 April 2025 ( 169.9 KB)
• Guide to using evidence ( 110.9 KB)
• Guide to preparing a cashflow forecast ( 115.5 KB)
• Cashflow forecast – optional template ( 57.6 KB)
• Risk identification and mitigation - Guide and optional template ( 111.1 KB)
• Funding agreement sample templates will be available shortly

Further information

For further information, you can contact the project team:

• via email on RAfund@dsdip.qld.gov.au
• by phoning 07 3452 6882.