Residential Activation Fund

Before a home can be built, the right foundations need to be laid.

Infrastructure for water, stormwater, roads, sewage, power and telecommunications all need to be in place before homes can be built.

That’s why the Queensland Government is funding these types of critical trunk and essential infrastructure projects that are ready to start immediately – so more homes can be built sooner.

The Residential Activation Fund is part of a range of housing initiatives being delivered, so more Queenslanders can secure a place to call home.

About the fund

The $2 billion fund accelerates the delivery of trunk and essential infrastructure that is fundamental to getting homes built without delay.

At least 50% of funding is being invested outside of South East Queensland, across regional, rural and remote local government areas.

So far, almost $994 million has been approved for infrastructure projects, needed to unlock land for housing developments in both established (consolidation or infill) and new areas (expansion or greenfield).

Round 2 applications

The Queensland Government is opening a second round of applications for the Residential Activation Fund in 2026. Up to $500 million in funding is available under Round 2, distributed through a competitive application and assessment process.

Round 2 continues to support the delivery of trunk and essential infrastructure required to activate both infill and greenfield housing projects.

Round 1 successful non-SEQ Local Government Specific Infrastructure Planning Projects (SIPPs) will be prioritised for construction funding in Round 2. Round 1 SIPPs must be substantially complete and able to commence and complete construction within the required timeframes outlined in the Round 2 Guidelines.

Eligibility

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 announcement of the successful project
• be completed within three years of announcement of the successful project.

Regional Queensland local governments (outside of South East Queensland) can submit detailed, costed applications to develop detailed design (including associated supporting documentation) for trunk and/or essential infrastructure required to facilitate residential housing development.  Projects must be able to commence within three 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.

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

• commence within 12 months of announcement of the successful project
• be completed within three years of announcement of the successful project.

Key points for applicants

When preparing an application, proponents should consider the following:

• Review eligibility requirements and definitions closely to make sure that both the applicant organisation and the proposed project meet all criteria.
• Begin gathering required supporting documentation early, such as detailed designs for construction-related projects.
• Familiarise themselves with the guidelines and contact the RAF hotline if they have any queries.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the Department’s SmartyGrants portal. This portal will open in the coming weeks. Before applying, applicants should carefully read the Round 2 guidelines to confirm eligibility, understand the assessment criteria and ensure their project is ready to be delivered.

The application link will be published on this page when round 2 opens.

2026 key dates

• Round 2 opening soon
• Announcements from July 2026

Key documents

• Round 2 program guidelines ( 619.6 KB)
• Round 2 Frequently Asked Questions ( 249.6 KB)
• Funding agreement sample templates:
  • Developers: Funding Agreement Sample Template ( 626.5 KB)
  • Queensland Local Governments: Project Funding Schedules (PFS) that will align with existing executed Head Agreement:
    • PFS Sample Template – Construction ( 188.6 KB)
    • PFS Sample Template – Specific Infrastructure Planning Projects ( 175.6 KB)