Queensland’s housing future is taking a major step forward, with Mount Peter in Cairns officially declared the state’s newest Priority Development Area (PDA).
Located just 15 kilometres south of the Cairns CBD, this strategic growth area will unlock 18,500 new homes, with around 200 homes fast-tracked in an Early Release Area. Once fully developed, Mount Peter will cater for more than 42,000 new residents, helping meet Far North Queensland’s housing needs for decades to come.
The move supports the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious commitment to deliver one million new homes by 2044 and directly addresses the region’s long-term housing supply challenges.
A Housing Boost for Far North Queensland
The Mount Peter PDA is the last major greenfield site in the Cairns local government area, earmarked for decades as a key growth location. This declaration will:
- Deliver 18,500 new homes, including an initial 200 in the early release area.
- Support coordinated infrastructure – roads, water, sewerage, and community facilities.
- Streamline development approvals through an Interim Land Use Plan now in effect.
- Align with the Cairns Regional Council’s Towards 2050 Growth Management Plan, which identifies Mount Peter as central to meeting future housing demand.
The PDA follows other recent housing initiatives in the region, including 3,000 new homes across 16 fast-tracked projects through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, and $350,000 in funding for Cairns Regional Council to accelerate housing planning.
Building Cairns’ Future – Together
With the Mount Peter PDA now declared, Economic Development Queensland will work alongside the Cairns Regional Council, industry, and the community to deliver the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time.
For Far North Queensland, this isn’t just about housing – it’s about building strong, connected communities and giving more people a place to call home.
