property
Land release: who qualifies and how to apply
Townsville City Council has opened applications for 220 new residential lots in Bohle Plains and Idalia, with clear rules on buyer eligibility and a strict online process.
How we reported this
The Townsville City Council released 220 residential lots on 8 July 2026, split between Bohle Plains and Idalia, with applications accepted through the council portal until 30 September.
The move follows the national drop in new home starts and comes as the state government pushes to meet housing targets before the end of the current accord period. Local demand has risen sharply because of steady military postings at Lavarack Barracks and the expansion of the Townsville Hospital precinct, both of which draw workers who need affordable entry points into the market.
Blocks on Kern Road in Bohle Plains and along the western edge of Idalia near the new Woolcock Street retail extension are included in the release. The council worked with the Queensland Department of Housing to set aside 40 per cent of the lots for first-home buyers who already live or work in the Townsville local government area.
Eligibility rules
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, have a household income under $180,000 a year and not own residential property in Australia. Priority goes to those employed within 20 kilometres of the release sites or who have served in the Australian Defence Force for at least three years. Investors are excluded from the first round of allocations.
Application steps
Buyers register through the Townsville City Council website, upload proof of income and residency, then select up to three preferred lots. The council draws names in a ballot on 7 October if demand exceeds supply. Successful applicants pay a 10 per cent deposit within 14 days, with settlement required inside 90 days. Prices start at $238,000 for 450-square-metre blocks, well below the current Townsville median of $390,000.
Those who miss the September deadline can still buy remaining lots on the open market from early November, though the discounted pricing and priority categories will no longer apply. Council officers recommend checking the online portal weekly for updates on ballot numbers and any last-minute lot additions.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.