As the economic, social and cultural hub of Queensland, South East Queensland (SEQ) has been subject to sustained high levels of growth since the early 2000's. While this growth has significantly altered the region, the State Government has been successful in harnessing the opportunities it has provided to enhance SEQ liveability and prosperity, through utilising effective growth management tools and framework such as the South East Queensland Regional Plan.
The first statutory regional plan for SEQ came into effect on 2005, and the current regional plan (the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031) refined and modified the strategic directions, principles and policies of the first statutory plan, in response to changing circumstances and revised population forecast.
As part of the Government's ongoing commitment to planning in SEQ, the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning has undertaken a review of the current SEQ regional plan 2009-2031. This review has resulted in the development of the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan (ShapingSEQ).
ShapingSEQ provides a framework for managing the region's growth over the next 25 years and sets a vison for the next 50 years. Its development has included significant consultation with state and local governments and the community in response to the regions expected changing population, both in size (5.3 million people by 2041) and demographics.
ShapingSEQ proposes policy directions and benchmarks to address this expected growth, including creating a region which is well designed with communities that provide a diverse range of affordable living. It also seeks to boost jobs growth across the region, in the industries of the future. ShapingSEQ will drive for a region that is smart, sustainable, compact, connected, safe and healthy for now and into the future.
In line with the State Government's focus on ensuring genuine public participation, transparency and engagement in the planning process, the draft plan is now available for public consultation. Formal submissions are invited on ShapingSEQ from October 2016 to the 3rd of March 2017. The South East Queensland Regional Plan includes the local government areas of:
- Brisbane City Council
- City Gold Coast Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- Redlands City Council
- Scenic Rim Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council (part only)
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