A large parcel of publicly owned land in Banyo is being prepared for release to the market for residential development, with the site expected to deliver up to 400 homes.
First Release Site Identified In Banyo
The site is located on Blinzinger Road in Banyo and is described across program and reporting material as being around six hectares, with one program description listing it as 6.4 hectares. The land was previously used as an Energex depot and has been fenced and unused for about a decade.
Material describing the site states it is close to public transport, shops and schools, and indicates it is suitable for residential development. The site has also been linked to earlier industrial operations connected to the electricity network in Brisbane’s north, with reporting describing its past use as a depot and associated facility.
How The Land Activation Program Works
The Land Activation Program is designed to unlock underutilised publicly owned land for housing by bringing surplus sites to market for development. It allows private developers to identify and register interest in underutilised Queensland-owned land that may be suitable for housing outcomes.
Public sector agencies are also expected to identify land that is no longer required or has no reasonably foreseeable operational use, so it can be released for housing. Economic Development Queensland is responsible for assessing proposals using criteria intended to confirm sites are genuinely surplus and suitable for residential development, including mixed-use outcomes where applicable.
Program material also states Economic Development Queensland can use planning and development powers under the Economic Development Act 2012 to help fast-track housing delivery by addressing site constraints and infrastructure challenges.
For unsolicited industry proposals, program information states Economic Development Queensland will investigate nominated sites and provide advice on suitability within 30 business days.
Affordability Settings Remain In Focus
The approach differs from earlier land partnership models because the sale of publicly owned sites to private developers is not framed as requiring social or affordable housing components. Supporters of the approach argue fewer conditions can help projects proceed faster. Critics argue the absence of mandated affordability settings limits the likelihood of direct benefit for low-income households or people waiting for social housing.
Reporting on the shift has also referenced a KPMG review of the former Ground Lease Model, which was described as estimating a cost of $1.7 billion for 715 dwellings.
What Happens Next
The Banyo land release is identified as the first site to be brought to market under the program, with further sites expected to follow progressively across Queensland as activation strategies are developed. No detailed construction schedule or housing mix has been set out in the material provided.
Published 30-Jan-2026. Updated 16-Feb-2026
