James Cook University Residential Development (TropiQ Precinct)

The TropiQ Precinct is co-located adjacent to Australia’s largest land-based Defence force at Lavarack Barracks. These two precincts are the most significant employment and economic node in the North and, along with forecast population growth and a $30+ billion project pipeline over the next 5 years, will drive demand for housing beyond the current capacity of the city of Townsville to deliver.

James Cook University (JCU) is the precinct’s majority land holder occupying 381 hectares of prime land within TropiQ. In partnership with Townsville City Council (TCC), JCU have allocated 100 hectares within their campus master plan for mixed-density residential development.

JCU's Residential Development Program will focus primarily on housing stock for critical workers, social housing and Defence personnel, however, will also accommodate a range of stock for students, aged care and retirement living. At full development, the TropiQ Precinct could house up to 10,000 residents, dependent on a diverse offering, ranging from stand-alone dwellings through to town house and unit-style accommodation.

Stage One of JCU's Residential Development Program, scheduled to begin in 2025, will deliver approximately 250-300 dwellings across 16 hectares of JCU land, situated in the North-West entry of the precinct.