The Case for Rezoning: Unlocking Housing Supply in South East Queensland

South East Queensland is facing an urgent housing challenge. With demand projected to reach 34,500 new homes per year through to 2046, the pressure is mounting and current delivery is falling short. In 2023, just over 22,000 new homes were delivered, underscoring the critical need to unlock more land and fast-track supply.

In the latest edition of Development Ready’s Property Development Review, Willowtree’s Queensland Director, Ben Russell, outlines why rezoning must be prioritised to meet the region’s future needs.

Logan and Ipswich leading the way but more is needed.

Logan and Ipswich have emerged as key growth areas, making a significant contribution to land supply and supporting the immediate demand. However, relying solely on these corridors will not be enough. To sustainably accommodate population growth, a broader spread of zoned land across the region is essential. This means unlocking new precincts, increasing diversity of housing types, and creating well-serviced, liveable communities throughout SEQ.

What’s holding us back?
Several constraints continue to impact housing supply:

Flood-prone and hazard-affected areas

Protected vegetation and biodiversity corridors

Infrastructure capacity limitations

Delays in rezoning and approvals pathways

While these constraints are real, Ben highlights that they are not insurmountable. With clear planning, infrastructure coordination, and upfront collaboration, these challenges can be managed in a way that balances growth with environmental and community outcomes.

The path forward: collaboration and strategic action
Unlocking land supply at the scale required will take more than just policy change, it will require coordinated action between state and local governments, infrastructure providers, and the development industry. Importantly, community engagement must be front