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Frequently asked questions

What is Community Renewal?

Community Renewal is a Queensland Government program, coordinated by the Department of Housing, that works with residents, governments, non-government organisations and businesses to deliver new solutions to local issues in selected Queensland communities.

What is the difference between Community Renewal and Urban Renewal?

Both programs are coordinated by the External link Department of Housing. Community Renewal often works in the same communities as Urban Renewal. However, the two programs are different. Urban Renewal revitalises public housing, streetscapes, and the physical amenity of neighbourhoods. Community Renewal joins governments and communities to find new solutions to whatever a community’s top priorities are – such as developing stronger families, community safety, education and skills, economic development, access to jobs, health and well-being, community infrastructure, culture and identity, or the accessibility of local services.

Where does Community Renewal operate?

Community Renewal operates in 19 Queensland communities and surrounding neighbourhoods, from Cairns to the Gold Coast.

What is a renewal zone?

The 19 Community Renewal areas are clustered into 10 renewal zones. A renewal zone includes one or more Community Renewal areas, and households outside but adjacent to the 19 areas. Community Renewal projects may be delivered across the zone, enabling the program’s impacts to reach the widest possible group of people. This flexibility helps the government to be responsive to the needs of communities.

For example, residents in the Logan renewal zone might want improved access to jobs through an outreach job information service. This service could be offered to residents in the renewal areas of Marsden, Kingston, Loganlea and Woodridge, as well as neighbouring areas such as Crestmead and Slacks Creek.

How are Community Renewal areas selected?

All Community Renewal areas are endorsed by the Queensland Government. Areas are identified in collaboration with Queensland Treasury’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research using a range of social and economic indicators.

What type of projects does Community Renewal support?

The Community Renewal program has the flexibility to support a range of projects. Examples of past projects include skate parks, traineeships, family support programs, sports courts, police beats, youth arts programs, community centres and alternative schools.

How are projects funded?

Queensland Government departments, local councils, businesses and other organisations work together through Community Renewal to harness funding and other resources for community-identified projects. Community Renewal funding is also provided for each renewal zone to develop projects.

How will funding be shared across each renewal zone?

Residents in each renewal zone will benefit from service and infrastructure projects such as community centres or health outreach services. Each renewal area will also benefit from projects that build community capacity and participation, such as training or improved meeting rooms. Renewal areas established in 2004 will also benefit from local amenity projects, such as new parks or improved street lighting. This approach will ensure that resources are distributed equitibly in each zone, and that newer Community Renewal areas get the benefits that established renewal areas have received.

Can I have a say about Community Renewal activities?

Residents, government, businesses and community members are all invited to contribute to local planning and decision-making. A community’s top priorities, along with desired outcomes and proposed solutions are agreed upon and put in writing in a Renewal Zone Plan. The plan is a blueprint for Community Renewal activities in each zone.

What if I miss my chance to contribute to the Renewal Zone Plan?

You can still have your say. Throughout the life of the program there will be further opportunities for interested parties to get involved and put forward ideas and opinions.

How can I get involved?

Residents, governments, businesses, community groups and non-government organisations – in fact, anyone who lives or works in a renewal community – is encouraged to get involved in Community Renewal. To find out more, contact your local Community Renewal office or read the Get Involved pages on this website.

If I don’t live in a Community Renewal area, can I still get involved?

Residents of suburbs surrounding the 19 renewal areas can also contribute their ideas for their community. Contact your local Community Renewal office to have your say.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, contact your local Community Renewal office or email: Email address communityrenewal@housing.qld.gov.au

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Last updated 14 September 2005