Aurora Estate RAF Press Release
Published on 21 August 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Murweh Shire Council
20 August 2025
FRESH FOUNDATIONS – CHARLEVILLE’S NEWEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SET TO DELIVER A NEW ERA OF LIVING
In exciting news for Charleville and the Murweh Shire, the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning has officially approved an application from the Murweh Shire Council to the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF) for the expansion of the 2nd stage of the Aurora Estate, which will include an additional 65 residential lots and a green space/parkland area.
This new expansion is critical for the construction of new houses to support the attraction and retention of essential services employees. The success of Council’s RAF application enables this vitally important development project to proceed for the direct benefit of the Murweh Shire communities, as well as our neighbouring Shires’ communities that access services from Charleville as a regional hub.
Mayor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge says this is a game-changer for the Murweh Shire, “This announcement opens the door to 65 housing blocks in a new estate in a flood free area, offering our residents an opportunity to invest and build out of the flood-prone area to make our community more resilient. This decision by the Crisafulli Government offers an invaluable housing development future for the Murweh Shire.”
The $2 billion RAF is a huge boost for rural and regional communities, fast-tracking the infrastructure needed to unlock land for new housing. With at least half of the funding earmarked for areas outside Southeast Queensland, the initiative directly addresses the housing shortfall in rural and remote regions by supporting critical infrastructure.
As Murweh Shire CEO Bruce Scott acknowledges, “The announcement by the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier and the Crisafulli Government that Murweh Shire Council had been successful in being granted $13.2m from the Residential Activation Fund for the construction of residential allotments in a flood immune area in Charleville is very welcome by this Council. The success of this funding comes off the back of a very thorough planning and detailed design process funded by the Australian Government through its Housing Support Program Stream 1 that will enable Murweh Shire to deliver this critically important project for the community as well as the Queensland and Australian Governments in addressing a State and nationwide shortage of housing. This new residential housing estate will provide the land required for the delivery of much needed additional housing in Charleville, in particular, housing for many of Charleville’s and its surrounding communities’ essential services providers including our police, health, emergency services, and education staff along with many Queensland Government departmental positions”.
The Residential Activation Fund not only accelerates the delivery of homes but also stimulates local economies, creates jobs, and helps ensure families in smaller communities have access to safe, affordable places to live. By removing barriers to development, the fund empowers local councils and developers to bring projects to life, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and resilience across the State.
The success of the Murweh Shire Council’s RAF application now ensures an exciting new era of living will prosper and grow in Charleville long into the future.
Murweh Shire Mayor, Cr Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge is available for interviews about this exciting development opportunity, so please contact Daryl Kirkup, Media & Communications Officer at the Murweh Shire Council on 0427 589 662 or via email at daryl_kirkup@murweh.qld.gov.au to lock in your interview time.