9 October 2025
Hot on the heels of season victories in the AFL, NRL and NRLW, Queensland is continuing its winning streak, now leading the way on building approvals for August.
The latest numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the Sunshine State recorded a 3.7 per cent increase in the number of new detached houses and units approved, while both New South Wales (-11.4 per cent) and Victoria (-11.8 per cent) missed the mark.
Queensland is also doing well when the numbers are looked at through a longer lens – the three-month trend also positive at +6.2 per cent, along with the 12-month total of +12.4 per cent. The positive shift is largely thanks to a 23.6 per cent jump in unit approvals over August.
Most of the regions also posted positive results. Far North Queensland took the trophy for a second consecutive quarter with a 243.5 per cent jump, while the Sunshine Coast (+88.6 per cent) and Downs & Western (+53.8 per cent) were also strong players. Mackay & Whitsunday (+35.5 per cent), North Queensland (+22.4 per cent), Wide Bay Burnett (+15.3 per cent) and Greater Brisbane (+10.2 per cent) all put wins on the board.
The exceptions were Central Queensland (-8.8 per cent) and Gold Coast (-4.6 per cent – the second consecutive quarterly drop), largely attributed to a fall in unit approvals. It will be important for both regions to shift the dial to keep pace with the demand for new housing.
“Queensland’s kicking goals, and it’s great to see the scoreboard reflecting the efforts by industry and government to turn things around,” Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said.
“This is a strong quarter, but the game is not over yet. We need to keep approvals climbing if we’re going to meet the housing needs of our growing population.
“With only 39,207 total dwellings approved across Queensland over the last 12 months, we are still a long way short of the government target of 50,000 dwellings necessary to tackle the crisis. Strong multi-unit approvals will be crucial to hitting that mark.”
Mr Bidwell said cutting red tape to boost productivity remained a priority.
“Most recently, we welcomed the QBCC’s announcement that it will roll out digital licences across Queensland – a win for builders, tradies and consumers in terms of convenience, real-time information, and peace-of-mind. We look forward to the passage of the related QBCC and Other Legislation Amendment Bill through state parliament next week.
“We’re also keen to see the Queensland Productivity Commission’s final report into industry regulation, due later this month. Permanently repealing Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) and introducing an alternative to the Project Trust Account regime are among the urgent priorities.
“Government is continuing to work on the review of NCC 2022 – and we urgently need the technical fixes for the livable housing and energy efficiency changes, as well as the option for them to be voluntary, to drive down costs and avoid delays. Similarly, the planning codes, starting with the Queensland Housing Code currently being considered, will help streamline approvals.
“We can’t afford to sit on the bench. These measures will help ensure industry can deliver the homes, infrastructure and generational projects our state needs.”
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