The Queensland Government has released the South East Queensland Regional Plan (also known as ShapingSEQ) which provides a regional framework for growth management, and sets planning direction for sustainable growth, global economic competitiveness and high-quality living.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Jackie Trad, said the plan was prepared through extensive consultation with the region’s 12 councils, industry and the community.
“This unprecedented level of consultation over 15 months ensured we have a blueprint for the region – a blueprint for sustainable growth, global competitiveness and high-quality living,” Ms Trad said.
“The consultation resulted in a phenomenal contribution from the community with over 3300 submissions, more than 85 per cent of these from private individuals.
“For the first time, we now have a plan for SEQ that includes a 50-year vision which looks to the region’s longer-term future.
“This new plan shapes the way we will grow, prosper, connect, sustain and live, as the region grows to around 5.3 million people over the next 25 years.
“This growth will require approximately 950,000 new jobs and an almost 800,000 new dwellings across SEQ by 2041.
“Planning to accommodate and manage this growth required new thinking – a smarter approach, and a new focus on where and how we’ll live.
“There is a focus on affordable living and the way people interact with their community and the services around them.
“By 2041 our urban centres will be more connected and mixed use. Our communities will be more active, and the areas in which we live will provide more housing choice and diversity, including a broader range of ‘missing middle’ housing forms,” Ms Trad said.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Graham Quirk, welcomed the consultative approach by the Queensland Government in the development of the South East Queensland Regional Plan.
“Regional collaboration is one of the many strengths of South East Queensland, so it’s fitting to see the region’s councils and communities playing a strong role in this process,” Mr Quirk said.
“The Council of Mayors remains committed to working in collaboration with the Queensland Government to ensure the successful implementation of the South East Queensland Regional Plan.”
Ms Trad said ShapingSEQ has also identified Regional Economic Clusters and region shaping infrastructure to support economic growth, and to ensure SEQ has all the right ingredients to operate and compete globally and to provide for more local jobs.
“New communities that are well-located will also be delivered – and this will mean greater housing choice, smart infrastructure investment, and jobs through attracting investment.
“The Queensland Government is also establishing a South East Queensland Housing Supply Expert Panel to ensure that housing needs will keep pace with estimated growth, as part of a $5 million investment in land supply monitoring.”
