The 2025 Regional Housing Audit, completed in 2025, provides a single source of reference for housing issues across eleven Local Government Areas over two RDA Regions, to unlock millions in infrastructure investment and supporting inclusive, resilient housing solutions across regional, remote and rural communities in South West Queensland.

RDA Darling Downs and South West led the Audit to respond to growing housing shortages affecting workforce attraction, economic development, and liveability. The Audit brought together council data, industry input, and ABS insights to create a single, region‑wide evidence base to guide investment and planning.

Launched at the May 2025 Council of Mayors Forum in Roma, the Audit identified critical housing gaps, infrastructure constraints, and opportunities for innovation including modular housing, employer‑supported accommodation, and more coordinated infrastructure delivery.

The Audit was released in time for applications to the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, following which nine councils in the study area secured more than $58 million in funding, unlocking 663 new residential lots and enabling projects such as sewerage upgrades in Thargomindah, new subdivisions in Roma and Charleville, and enabling works for housing growth in Toowoomba, Dalby, Quilpie and Goondiwindi.