The Queensland government has formally implemented the updated Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA) plan, paving the way for 16,000 new homes and major infrastructure projects across Brisbane’s inner city.
The amended Woolloongabba PDA Development Scheme officially came into effect on Oct. 10, following community consultation held in August. The approval was made under section 69 of the Economic Development Act 2012, marking the final step in the formal planning process.
Covering about 106 hectares across Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane, and South Brisbane, the PDA – a designated zone identified for fast-tracked land development to deliver community benefits and support economic growth – aims to fast-track new housing and revitalise the precinct surrounding the Gabba Stadium ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie (pictured) said the plan reflects the government’s commitment to tackling Queensland’s housing shortage by streamlining approvals and cutting costs for developers.
“This plan will accelerate the delivery of up to 16,000 new homes and reduce the end cost of a home by removing unnecessary red tape and increasing flexibility,” Bleijie said.
According to Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the updated development scheme provides the regulatory framework guiding planning, coordination, and land delivery within the precinct.
A new Development Charges and Offset Plan (DCOP) has also been released to fund essential upgrades to water, sewerage, transport networks, and community facilities. The plan was prepared in consultation with Brisbane City Council, Urban Utilities, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, ensuring infrastructure delivery keeps pace with population growth.
Bleijie said the framework will allow developers to respond more effectively to market conditions.
“Industry has told us repeatedly that it can deliver more housing in Woolloongabba by removing onerous conditions and better responding to market constraints,” he said.
“This plan will support a more flexible, performance-based approach to housing and infrastructure delivery that is in step with the area’s growth – delivering the right infrastructure, at the right times in line with local needs.”
The updated PDA will enable a new Gabba entertainment and lifestyle precinct, including an indoor sports stadium, future planning for the Gabba’s redevelopment, and the retention of East Brisbane State School.
The government said the scheme will create a legacy precinct that integrates housing, recreation, and transport — including access to the new Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station.
Bleijie said the changes are part of the Crisafulli government’s 2032 Delivery Plan, which aims to deliver one million new homes by 2044.
“Under Labor’s failed Woolloongabba development scheme, only three residential development applications were lodged – we have scrapped Labor’s unworkable red tape to better reflect the reality of commercial development,” he said.
“EDQ will continue to work in partnership with industry, Brisbane City Council, the community and other key stakeholders to deliver on this plan’s potential.”
The Property Council of Australia and Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) both welcomed the plan, saying it will unlock new opportunities for housing supply and investment in Brisbane.
“It is reassuring that the government has listened to industry’s concerns about the barriers to delivering more housing that were present under the previous development scheme,” said Jess Caire, Property Council Queensland executive director.
“The updated PDA has been supported and informed by industry and will unlock the property sector’s capacity to deliver housing in Woolloongabba at a time when constrained project feasibilities remain the single biggest impediment to new housing supply.”
UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said the Woolloongabba PDA is one of Brisbane’s most important precincts.
“Woolloongabba offers an exciting opportunity for government, the community, and industry to work together to boost housing supply at a time when it has never been so needed,” Chessher-Brown said.
“The revised scheme ensures this area offers a compelling revitalisation proposition to industry, improving the feasibility of local housing projects and increasing their likelihood of coming to life despite challenging conditions.”
For more information, read the government media release and the realestate.com.au article.
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