The newly released South East Queensland Regional Plan draft outlines almost 900,000 new homes by 2040, to meet an expected 2.2 million new residents.
The plan will work with Queensland councils, allowing residents with more options as to where and how they want to live. For the first time, councils in the region’s 12 local government areas will be required to adjust their planning schemes to help deliver a mix of homes to offer more choice to the communities.
Well-located homes is a central focus of the plan, with thought and planning for an extra 100,000 properties close to transport and across well-serviced areas.
The plan also focuses on housing affordability, recognising the need for more social and affordable housing needing to be provided in the future.
Queensland Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, said “South East Queensland is booming, with almost six million people expected to call this region home by 2046.
“More housing is needed more than ever before, and we need a plan that ensures homes are delivered when and where they need to be whilst also protecting Queensland’s great lifestyle.
“We committed to reviewing our plan for South East Queensland as a key outcome from the Housing Summit, and we are delivering on that promise.
“A lot has changed since the last plan was released, including record interstate migration. Our population isn’t just getting bigger; it’s changing, with household sizes, demographics and lifestyle trends shifting.
“Our $89 billion Big Build over the next four years will deliver the infrastructure needed to support our growing state with greater connectivity and better services.”
To manage the growth, the plan includes the SEQ Infrastructure Supplement which aims to ensure homes are well-served by transport and key infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and university precincts.
State Minister for Housing, Meaghan Scanlon, said that the SEQ plan and investment is the largest in the state’s history.
“With these new targets and requirements for social and affordable housing, government and industry will be clear on what is needed to help deliver for our future population,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It complements our $5 billion for social and affordable housing – the largest investment in Queensland’s history.
“Importantly, this plan isn’t just about housing affordability, it’s about affordable living.
“Making sure the right housing is available, at the right location, to maximise access to local services, transport and jobs is critical.
“People are flocking to the south-east region because it is one of the best places in the world to live, work, learn, and raise a family.
“We know that residents in Queensland, like elsewhere in the nation, are facing increased housing pressures that are impacting on affordability. But we can’t do this alone – it requires all levels of government, including councils, industry and our communities, to make this a reality.”
