The global financial crisis only caused a brief hiccup for property prices in Queensland coal towns.

Rental payments were as much as $1000 a week even during the credit-crunched March quarter of 2009.

“Community consultation is essential to guiding plans for generating additional housing in Moranbah and Blackwater, which have both suffered housing stress as a result of the resources boom,” Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“Being able to afford to buy or rent a home gives people a chance to put down roots, generate a sense of belonging and foster community spirit.

“These UDAs will ensure key workers continue to provide valuable services in the communities they choose to call home.”

The proposed residential areas will provide a mix of housing types aimed for low to moderate income families, first home buyers, retirees and non-resident workers.

The Moranbah scheme covers 1220 hectares of vacant land along with parts of a golf course and small parcels of residential and industrial land.

The Blackwater plan stretches for the entire town north of Capricorn Highway, covering 1800 homes plus a range of industrial and commercial facilities.

Construction is expected to take place over the next 10-15 years, starting with a 9ha residential area in Moranbah and a 12-unit development in Blackwater.

Community information sessions will start up next week at the Blackwater and Moranbah Fair shopping centres while written submissions must be received by March 22.

The UDAs are available at the Urban Land Development Authority’s website.