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Housing front and centre as Townsville leaders await federal budget

May 12, 2026 9:05 am in by
tracielouise via Getty Images.

With the Federal Budget set to be handed down tonight, the national spotlight is firmly on housing and tax reform — two areas with major implications for North Queensland.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme‑Smith says the region doesn’t need more land released, but it urgently needs more homes built, with 5,000 new houses required over the next decade to keep pace with demand.

She’s also warning that any changes to the capital gains tax discount could rattle investor confidence in the north at a time when the region can’t afford to lose momentum. Brumme‑Smith says Townsville is already facing significant housing pressures, and the Budget’s focus on supply will be critical for the region’s future growth.

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver the Federal Budget at 7:30pm, outlining the government’s full plan for housing, tax reform, and cost‑of‑living measures.

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