draft south east queensland regional plan · 2016-09-02 · regional plan. the regional plan also...

October 2004

Draft South East Queensland Regional PlanPrepared by:

The Honourable Terry Mackenroth, Regional Planning Minister inaccordance with the Integrated Planning Act 1997, Section 2.5A.13.

With assistance from:

Office of Urban ManagementDepartment of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation

In consultation with:

The South East Queensland Regional Coordination Committee

Published by:

OCTOBER 2004ISBN: 0 7242 9654 9

© The State of Queensland (Queensland Department of Local Government,Planning, Sport and Recreation).

Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by theCopyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any means without theprior written permission of the Queensland Department of LocalGovernment, Planning, Sport and Recreation.

Release notesThis Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan is released by the RegionalPlanning Minister in accordance with the Integrated Planning Act 1997,Section 2.5A.13.

The report is a draft for public consultation to enable the community toreview the matters being considered for inclusion in the South EastQueensland Regional Plan. Information in this draft document does notnecessarily represent government policy.

The report has been prepared in good faith to provide a Draft Regional Planfor the management and development of the South East Queensland region.

The report does not commit or pertain to commit any government, industryor community organisation to implement, resource or otherwise fundspecific activities or programs.

All plans and maps, except for the Draft Regulatory Maps, are intended torepresent general concepts for the purpose of broad scale regionalplanning. The plans and maps in this report do not and are not intended toidentify or give attributes or rights, including land use and developmentrights, to specific land parcels. Boundaries and location are indicative onlyand may be subject to further refinement.

The Draft Regulatory Provisions of the Draft Regional Plan, including theDraft Regulatory Maps have effect from the date of release. The DraftRegulatory Maps are cadastre based and allocate all land in the region intofive broad land management categories for the purpose of the DraftRegulatory Provisions of the Draft Regional Plan.

Consultation on the Draft Regional PlanHelp shape the future of South East Queensland – tell us what you thinkabout the Draft Regional Plan:

Complete an online survey at: www.oum.qld.gov.au

Forward your thoughts and ideas to:

Draft Regional Plan FeedbackOffice of Urban ManagementDepartment of Local Government, Planning, Sport and RecreationReply Paid 31Brisbane Albert Street BC QLD 4002

Or fax 3235 4563Or email [email protected]

You have until 28 February 2005 to provide your feedback. Feedbackprovided to the Office of Urban Management as part of the consultation issubject to the Privacy Statement located at the back of this document.

Feedback on the Draft Regional Plan will assist the Office of UrbanManagement to finalise the Regional Plan, which will be released mid-2005.

To find out more about the Draft Regional Plan, contact the:

Office of Urban Management

Website www.oum.qld.gov.au Freecall 1800 021 818Email [email protected] 3235 4563Visit Level 4, 61 Mary Street, BrisbaneMail Reply Paid 31, Brisbane Albert Street BC QLD 4002.

Or head along to one of the free public information sessions (look in yourlocal newspaper or visit the website for further details).

To get a copy of the Draft Regional Plan:

• Free copies or a CD-ROM of the Draft Regional Plan are available fromthe Office of Urban Management

• Copies are available for viewing at most council chambers, libraries andcustomer service centres

• Copies are also available at www.oum.qld.gov.au

To get copies of the associated Draft Regulatory Maps:

There is a set of Draft Regulatory Maps (33 cadastre based (1:50,000) mapsin total) which form part of the Draft Regulatory Provisions in the DraftRegional Plan. The Draft Regulatory Maps are available separate to theDraft Regional Plan and allocate all land in the region into five landmanagement categories.

• The set of Draft Regulatory Maps cost $375 per set, plus postage andhandling. They can be purchased in person at the Office of UrbanManagement (credit card, cash or cheque), or via the freecall number 1800 021 818 (credit card only)

• Copies are available for viewing at the Office of Urban Managementand selected locations in each local government area. Interested peopleshould contact their local council for the exact locations

• Copies are also available for viewing at www.oum.qld.gov.au

October 2004

Draft South EastQueenslandRegional PlanFor consultation

1O F F I C E O F U R B A N M A N A G E M E N T

2 Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan

the region demands a continuation ofthis strong partnership.

Input has also been received from avariety of community-based referencegroups. Now the Draft Regional Planneeds feedback from the region’s mostimportant assets – the residents of SouthEast Queensland.

Your views are welcome and, indeed,sought for the future of an exciting South East Queensland. It is essential thatgovernments and the community worktogether to ensure that the qualities thatmake South East Queensland such anattractive place to call home arepreserved for future generations.

The release of the Draft South EastQueensland Regional Plan gives you theopportunity to have your say. We seekyour input on matters that are importantto all – be they proposed areas fordevelopment, the conservation ofparklands and rural production areas, the protection of our waterways, thedensities of our urban areas, or plans forroads and public transport.

We believe this is an important referencepoint for planning in South EastQueensland. In the future, we will look backto this as the time when the communityconsidered the issues and decided to optfor a better future for the region.

We encourage you to get involved andhave your say on the future developmentof the region and we look forward toconsidering your views.

South East Queensland is a unique part of the world.Our region is one of the most sought after places to livein Australia with our relaxed lifestyle, strong economicgrowth and so many varying opportunities.

We have an affinity with outdoorrecreation and live alongside a diversityof natural environments ranging frombeaches and marine reserves tomountains and sweeping hinterlands.

Over the last 10 years an additional55,000 people a year have chosen to joinus in South East Queensland. This growthis expected to continue with anestimated one million people expected tomake the Smart State’s south east cornertheir home over the next 20 years.

The assets making South EastQueensland such a liveable place must bemanaged carefully as this great regioncontinues to grow. We need Smart Stateplanning now to protect our magnificentcoastline and waterways, regionallandscape, rural production areas andenvironmental treasures. We must alsoensure the region remains economicallyvibrant, so we can continue to providejobs, maintain our unique sense ofidentity and place and improve thedesign quality of our urban areas.

Development of the South EastQueensland Regional Plan, which will havestatutory effect, is a vital step towardshaping South East Queensland’s future.It builds on the previous SEQ 2001 andSEQ 2021 regional planning processes.

Development of the Draft Regional Planhas been a partnership between the StateGovernment and the South EastQueensland Regional Organisation ofCouncils. Implementing this RegionalPlan to achieve a sustainable future for

Foreword

The Honourable Peter Beattie MPPremier and Minister for Trade

The Honourable Terry Mackenroth MPDeputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Sport

The Right Honourable Lord MayorCouncillor Campbell NewmanChair of the South East QueenslandRegional Organisation of Councils

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Part A – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Legislation and effect of the Regional Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5The SEQ region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Part B – Regional issues and opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Regional growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Development trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A different future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A new approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Part C – Regional vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Part D – Urban structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Strategic directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Settlement pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Part E – Regional Growth Management Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Natural environment, resources and rural production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Urban form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Strong communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42A diverse economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Integrated transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Infrastructure and services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Part F – Implementation and monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Part G – Draft Regulatory Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Maps1. SEQ region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52. SEQ regional land use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123. Nature conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224. Rural production and natural resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235. Publicly accessible regional open space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246. Indicative planning population by sub-region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307. Urban form – SEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358. Urban form – Greater Brisbane and the Western Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369. Potential Transit Oriented Developments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3810. Economic activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4811. Transport infrastructure – SEQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5412.Transport infrastructure – Sunshine and Gold Coasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5613.Transport infrastructure – Greater Brisbane and the Western Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Figures1. SEQ actual and projected population growth (1976 to 2026) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72. Population distribution by local government area (2003) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73. Number of lots approved by residential type (1993 to 2003). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74. Land area approved by residential type (1993 to 2003) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75. Public transport patronage (1999 to 2003). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556. Journey-to-work mode split (2001) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Tables1. Regional landscape elements and broad intents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202. Urban structure population capacities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323. New dwelling targets for major urban local governments (2004 to 2006) . . . . . . . . . . . 334. Sustainability indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Contents 3

Contents

Part A

ContextSouth East Queensland (SEQ) isAustralia’s fastest growing metropolitanregion, with consistently high numbers ofpeople moving here. The SEQ RegionalPlan (the Regional Plan) presents theopportunity to manage this growth andassociated change to protect and enhanceour quality of life and achievesustainability.

The Regional Plan will guide growth anddevelopment in SEQ to 2026. It alsoidentifies areas that, subject to furtherinvestigation, may be suitable formedium to longer-term development.The extent to which this urban pattern isachieved will depend upon a number offactors, including future growth rates,community attitudes and behaviours,government regulation, the ability toprovide infrastructure efficiently andtechnology. Sound planning principles,economic growth, the timely provision ofinfrastructure and the maintenance ofcommunity and environmental valueswill continue to determine the future ofthe region.

The Regional Plan is based upon currentregional forecasts of population growth,household formation, demand for newdwellings and land availability to 2026.

This information will be subject toregular review and updating. At this time,it is as current and accurate as possibleand is considered to provide a soundbasis for regional planning. Successfulimplementation of the Regional Plan willinfluence decisions about where growthoccurs in the region. This will need to bereflected in future population forecasts.

The Regional Plan will be reviewedformally every five years.

The Regional Plan is the pre-eminentplan for the region and takes precedenceover all other planning instruments. Alldevelopment and land-use in the regionwill need to comply with the RegionalPlan. Where local government planningschemes materially contradict theRegional Plan, the responsible planningauthority will amend the scheme toensure alignment.

The Regional Plan represents an agreedState Government position on the futureof SEQ. Any plans, policies and codesbeing prepared or amended by Stateagencies will reflect and align with theRegional Plan. The Regional Plan alsoidentifies significant regionalinfrastructure projects and a process forcoordinating annual programs andbudgets for infrastructure and servicesprovided by State agencies.


Introduction

The Regional Plan will guide growth and development inSEQ to 2026.

The overriding intent of the Regional Planis to ensure that the region can grow andchange in a sustainable way, generatingprosperity while at the same timemaintaining and enhancing quality of lifeand providing high levels of environmentalmanagement. Achieving the desired futurefor the region will require a combinationof these elements and the support andcontribution of all sectors of thecommunity to ensure the communaloutcome overrides self-interest.

Legislation and effect ofthe Regional PlanThe Regional Plan is being preparedunder Part 5A of the Integrated PlanningAct 1997 (IPA) as amended by theIntegrated Planning and OtherLegislation Amendment Act 2004(IPOLAA 2004). The legislation requiresthe Regional Plan to identify the desiredoutcomes for the region and the policiesand actions required to achieve theseoutcomes. The Regional Plan is alsorequired to identify the desired futurespatial structure of the region.

The Draft Regional Plan is a statutoryinstrument under the StatutoryInstruments Act 1992 and is also aplanning instrument under IPA. It willhave direct effect in its own right andindirect effect through the amendmentand alignment of planning schemes andState plans and policies.

Currently, the Regional Plan is a draftdocument and does not come into effect until after the consultation period,consideration of submissions, and‘making’ of the final plan by the RegionalPlanning Minister.

However, the legislation also provides forthe Draft Regional Plan to include DraftRegulatory Provisions which come intoeffect when the Draft Regional Plan isreleased for consultation. These DraftRegulatory Provisions include thecapacity to regulate land use anddevelopment throughout the region andto prohibit aspects of development inspecified locations. The Draft RegulatoryProvisions remain in force until therelevant local government planningscheme is amended to reflect theRegional Plan.

The Draft Regulatory Provisions are setout in Part G of this Draft Regional Plan.

Under the enabling legislation, theRegional Plan prevails to the extent that

there is any inconsistency, over any otherplan, policy or code including any otherplanning instrument made under Statelegislation. However the Regional Plan hasbeen prepared to complement, rather thanto override, State planning instruments.

For example, the Urban Footprintidentified in the Regional Plan does notoverride the definition of an Urban Areaunder the Vegetation Management Act1999 and the IPA. As such, requirementsof these Acts continue to apply.

Introduction 5

PART A – INTRODUCTION

The SEQ regionThe SEQ region encompasses the areas of the following 18 local governments:

• Beaudesert Shire• Boonah Shire• Brisbane City• Caboolture Shire• Caloundra City• Esk Shire• Gatton Shire• Gold Coast City• Ipswich City

• Kilcoy Shire• Laidley Shire• Logan City• Maroochy Shire• Noosa Shire• Pine Rivers Shire• Redcliffe City• Redland Shire• Toowoomba City.

For the purpose of the regional plan, the SEQ region also includes Queensland watersadjacent to these local government areas.

MAP 1

SEQ region

Part BPart B

Regional growthSEQ has experienced high and sustainedpopulation growth since the 1980s,growing at an average of 55,000 personseach year between 1986 and 2003. Theestimated resident population of theregion in 2004 is 2,654,000. Currentprojections for the region are 3,709,000by 2026, an increase of around 1.05million people, or almost 50,000 eachyear on average.

The projected population increase,combined with the continuing trendtowards smaller households, will requirean estimated 550,000 new dwellings tobe constructed in the region between2004 and 2026. There will also be agreater demand for a diversity of housingforms to match the needs of changinghousehold structures, particularly anincrease in one and two personhouseholds across all adult ages.

In addition, the increased population willgenerate demand for around 425,000new jobs and the provision of a widerange of supporting infrastructure andservices from arterial roads, publictransport and potable water to localparks, shops and community facilities.These demands will continue to createopportunities and also impose significantsocial, economic and environmentalpressures on the region.

Recent community debate has focusedon the perceived loss of important openspace values throughout the region,deteriorating water quality, security oflong-term drinking water supplies,increased traffic congestion, inadequatepublic transport and the supply ofelectricity.

This questions the sustainability of theregion and the way we use resources,particularly land, water and energy. Evenallowing for additional harvesting fromthe few remaining reliable surface watersources that could supply SEQ, theprojected population growth meanswater sources could be fully utilised by2020, or even earlier.

While the current and planned powergeneration capacity of the region isadequate to meet forecast demand,average household demand for energy isincreasing and there is significantpressure on existing transmission anddistribution systems. Total energyconsumption by households, industryand transport also generates significantamounts of greenhouse gases, withadverse impacts on the environment.

The current use of water and energy inSEQ is increasing significantly. Efficiencygains from our use of water and energyare required to manage demand,minimise impacts on the environmentand to meet the challenges of projectedclimate change.


Regional issues andopportunities

The regional plan proposes a new approach based onmanaging rather than responding to growth.

Development trendsMany of the region’s growth pressuresare closely related to the past andcurrent pattern of development in theregion. There are a number of keydevelopment trends in SEQ:

• The majority of population growth has been occurring along the coast.Between 1986 and 2003, the fastestgrowing areas were Gold Coast City,which grew by 240,500 people,followed by Brisbane City (205,400),and Maroochy Shire (75,000). Incontrast, the western parts of theregion, which include Ipswich andToowoomba Cities, have been growing more slowly than the region as a whole

• Urban densities remain very low withonly a small increase in theproportion of attached housing,townhouses and apartments, over the past decade. Across the region,attached housing comprised 38 per cent of total dwellingapprovals. This is much higher inBrisbane City (54 per cent) and GoldCoast City (52 per cent). Most otherlocal government areas generally haveless than 10 per cent of attacheddwelling approvals

• The number of small lots less than450m2 as a proportion of all detachedhousing lots increased only slightlyfrom 9 per cent in 1994 to 10 per centin 2003. Only five local governmentshad a higher proportion of small lotsthan the regional average: RedcliffeCity (26 per cent), Ipswich City (26 per cent), Brisbane City (18 percent), Pine Rivers Shire (13 per cent)and Caloundra City (12 per cent)

• There has been significantfragmentation of rural lands andbushland brought about by theexcessive use of rural residentialdevelopment on the urban fringe andin rural areas. Between 1991 and2001, rural residential approvalsaccounted for over 70 per cent of allland allocated for residentialpurposes, but only accommodated 15 per cent of actual allotments.

If these trends continue the majority ofnew dwellings in the region will continueto be constructed as conventional low-density residential subdivisions onurban fringe greenfield sites.

Regional issues and opportunities 7

PART B – REGIONAL ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

35

FIGURE 3Number of lots approved by residential type (1993 to 2003)

Urban lots approved Rural lots approved

Number of lots (’000)

1993

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Source: Planning Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, 2004

FIGURE 2Population distribution by local government area (2003)

Noosa 1.79%

Maroochy 5.25%

Kilcoy 0.13%

Brisbane 36.09%

Redcliffe 1.99%

Pine Rivers 5.14%

2.21% Beaudesert

Caloundra 3.19%

Caboolture 4.66%

Toowoomba 3.56%

17.52% Gold Coast

6.59% Logan

4.79% Redland

0.33% Boonah

0.58% Esk

0.62% Gatton

5.07% Ipswich

0.51% Laidley

Source: Planning and Information Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, 2004

16

FIGURE 4Land area approved by residential type (1993 to 2003)

Urban residential Rural residential

Hectares (’000)

1993

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

14

Source: Planning Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, 2004

4.5

FIGURE 1SEQ actual and projected population growth (1976 to 2026)

Low growth

People (million)

1976

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2004 2006 2011 2021 20262016

3.5

2.5

Medium growth High growth

Source: Estimated Resident Population, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia and New Zealand, CatalogueNo. 3218.0; Projected Resident Population, Planning and Information Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government and Planning, 2003

Most greenfield urban residentialdevelopment in the region are currentlyonly yielding between eight and 11 lots perhectare, compared with the 15 lots perhectare regarded as the minimum densityrequired to support a reasonably frequentbus service. The region’s extensive areas ofrural residential development have evenlower densities, generally yielding onaverage less than two dwellings per hectare.

Infill and redevelopment within existingurban areas could only be expected toprovide between 20 and 30 per cent of thenew dwellings required to 2026. Aroundhalf this would be expected to occur inBrisbane City and Gold Coast City.

Ultimately, this trend pattern ofdevelopment is not sustainable. TheRegional Plan seeks to address theseissues and to provide a change indirection to accommodate future growthon a more sustainable basis.

A different futureAs a community, it is important to askwhat sort of future we want for SEQ. Wealso need to understand the implicationsof continuing with the current trend oflow-density residential development asthe principal means of accommodatingfuture population growth.

We do not, however, have to accept thisfuture. Alternative strategies can beadopted to manage growth better.

Two alternative patterns of developmentwere evaluated to show differentpotential futures for SEQ in 2026 toassist in identifying a strategy for adifferent and more sustainable future.

• The Western Corridor alternativewas based on the assumption that anadditional 250,000 populationcompared to the current populationtrend could be accommodated inIpswich City, supported by acommensurate shift in employmentopportunities and investment ininfrastructure. The westernmetropolitan growth corridor throughIpswich City provides extensive areas ofrelatively unconstrained land alreadydesignated for a wide range of urbanpurposes, including residential, businessand industrial development. Evaluationof the Western Corridor patterndemonstrated that encouraging ahigher proportion of regional growthin the Western Corridor could alsoachieve more sustainable outcomesfor the region, including reducedpressures on a range of natural andenvironmental resources.

• The urban consolidationalternative demonstrated a morecompact urban form. This required thereallocation of 500,000 people fromthe current population trend patternto higher-density developmentaround activity centres and publictransport nodes within the region. Thedensity of greenfield residentialdevelopment areas was assumed toincrease to 15 dwellings per hectare.

The evaluation of these notionalalternative patterns of developmentshowed that different distributions ofpopulation and employment couldachieve better outcomes for the region.

A move towards a more compact urbanform with higher densities in select areascould achieve significant benefits throughlower levels of overall travel demand andreductions in energy usage and emissionsof pollutants. It could also improve levelsof accessibility and have fewerdetrimental impacts on the region’senvironmental and natural resources.

Significant benefits could also beachieved if growth pressures on thecoast are relieved and complementedwith support for urban growthopportunities and housing choices inother less sensitive parts of the region.

A new approachTo achieve shifts of this nature willrequire major changes in the way wecurrently plan for growth in the region.

The Regional Plan proposes a newapproach based on managing rather thanresponding to growth and leading thedesired results through timely provisionof infrastructure and assistingemployment creation. The key strengthsof the Regional Plan’s approach tomanaging growth in SEQ are:

• clear identification and protection ofregional landscape and ruralproduction areas from inappropriatedevelopment;

• clear definition of the areasdesignated to accommodate futureurban growth with adequate suppliesidentified to meet forecast need;

• use of statutory regulations toprevent development that is notconsistent with the intent of theRegional Plan;

• recognition of the Regional Plan asthe pre-eminent plan for SEQ to bereflected in all other State and localgovernment plans and strategies;

• support from an SEQ InfrastructurePlan and Program to provide cleardirection and commitment for thefuture investigation and provision ofinfrastructure of National, State orregional significance; and

• strong linkages between the RegionalPlan and State agencies’infrastructure and service deliveryprograms and budgetary processes.

The recommended approach is aboutchanging the future direction of growthand investment in the region. Theprotection of environmental and ruralvalues is an important objective. Thereare, however, no absolute or definitiveanswers; some trade-offs are inevitableand necessary. These are some of thechoices the community can make.

While this strategy is intended to relievepressure on the coastal environment asmuch as possible, it also acknowledgesexisting commitments, embeddedinfrastructure and communityinvestment and historic patterns ofdevelopment.


Part C

Regional vision 9

The regional vision identifies the community’s long-term aspirations for the region, the environmentwe want to live in now, as well as the environment wewish to leave for future generations. The following draftvision is suggested as the basis for discussion:

Regional vision

A future for SEQ which is sustainable, prosperous andliveable and where:

• communities are safe, healthy, accessible andinclusive;

• there are diverse employment opportunities andquality education and services;

• development is sustainable and well designed; and

• we value and protect our environment, enjoy andrespect our waterways, bays, beaches and bushlands.

By 2026, SEQ is a region of inter-connected cities, witha population of almost four million people. At its heartis Brisbane, a world city of more than one millionpeople. Surrounding the capital, the region contains anumber of large urban areas separated by open spaceand many small to medium sized towns, each with itsown character and identity. It is a region characterisedby choice and diversity, with mountain ranges andhinterlands, the Bay and islands, extensive beaches,bush and farmlands. It is a region with an enviable andsustainable quality of life.

Part D

Strategic directionsIn order to achieve the vision and thedesired outcomes for the region, theRegional Plan identifies six strategicdirections to achieve the preferred futurespatial structure:

Supporting regional landscapeand rural production values

The rural and natural landscape areas ofSEQ support many environmental, ruralproduction, recreational, cultural andscenic features that are highly valued bythe region’s population. These naturalenvironment and economic resourcesunderpin the region’s liveability, form asubstantial component of the economyand will be protected from urban andrural residential development.

Identifying land toaccommodate future growth

The Regional Plan identifies more thansufficient land to accommodate theprojected population of 3.7 millionpeople in 2026. These urban growth areasare distributed around the region tofacilitate choice and housing

affordability. Future growth will beaccommodated through a combinationof infill and consolidation of existingurban, new greenfield and designatedrural living areas.

Investigation Areas have also beenidentified, to accommodate longer-termurban development and to meetunforseen market and community needs.

Enhancing the identities ofregional communities

Growing urban areas will be containedand framed by regional landscape andrural production areas to preserve keyinter-urban breaks that define the extentand character of regional communities.These inter-urban breaks range in scalefrom those separating the Brisbanemetropolitan area and the Gold andSunshine Coasts, to smaller inter-urbanbreaks defining local settlements. Thepreferred structure also encourages theconsolidation of growth within andimmediately adjacent to rural townships.


Urban structure

The Regional Plan identifies six strategic directions toachieve the preferred future structure of SEQ.

Building more compact urban areas

Future urban growth in SEQ will beconsolidated around urban activitycentres and public transport nodes. New residential areas will be developedat densities that support public transportservices. Land and infrastructure will beused more efficiently and economically.

The Regional Plan proposes that asignificant proportion of future dwellinggrowth will be accommodated throughinfill and redevelopment within existingurban areas.

Encouraging growth in theWestern Corridor

The Western Corridor contains a highproportion of the region’s land for futurebusiness, industry and greenfieldresidential development.

An increased proportion of the region’sfuture population and urban growth willbe accommodated in the WesternCorridor, which provides the opportunityto achieve a good relationship between

employment, transport infrastructureand population growth. Through theidentification of growth areas for urbandevelopment and giving priority toinfrastructure and services the RegionalPlan will seek to attract increasedeconomic and population growth to theWestern Corridor.

Integrating land use andtransport

Quality of life and economic developmentopportunities are enhanced by easy accessto a good transport system. Future landuse and transport will be planned anddelivered in an integrated way and futureurban growth will be focused on transportroutes and nodes. Transport infrastructureand service investment across alltransport modes will both lead andsupport the achievement of the desiredfuture urban form.

Urban structure 11

PART D – URBAN STRUCTURE

The Regional Planproposes that asignificant proportion offuture dwelling growthwill be accommodatedthrough infill andredevelopment withinexisting urban areas.


MAP 2

SEQ regional land use


Urban structure 13

Settlement patternThe Draft Regional Plan allocates all landin SEQ into one of five broad categories.These areas provide the spatial contextfor the Draft Regulatory Provisions setout in Part G of the Draft Regional Planand are more precisely defined on theDraft Regulatory Maps that form part ofthe Draft Regional Plan.

The Regional Landscape and RuralProduction Area includes landcomprising a regionally significant areawith one or more of the following values:

• State or regional nature conservationsignificance;

• regional ecosystems that areendangered or of concern;

• national park, conservation park,resources reserve, or coordinatedconservation area;

• koala conservation area or othermajor habitat;

• good quality agricultural land andother productive rural areas;

• natural economic resources includingextractive resources and forestryplantations;

• water storage impoundments, waterstorage catchments and groundwaterareas;

• native forests;

• coastal wetlands; and

• land forming strategic and regionallysignificant inter-urban breaks.

The intent of the Regional Landscape andRural Production Area is to ensure itslong-term protection from inappropriateforms of development, particularly theencroachment of urban land uses andthe further fragmentation of landholdings for rural residential and othersimilar activities. This is achieved throughthe Draft Regulatory Provisions of theDraft Regional Plan in Part G.

The Regional Landscape and RuralProduction Area preserves existingdevelopment rights to ensure thecontinuation of significant activitiesincluding agricultural production,availability of natural resources, waterstorage, tourism, nature-basedrecreational activities and natureconservation in currently designatedareas. However, the Regional Plan doesenvisage that some lands currentlyallocated for rural residential in localgovernment planning schemes, but notyet developed or included in the RuralLiving Area, will have a limitedopportunity for development.

The Urban Footprint identifies landpredominately allocated to provide forthe region’s urban development needs to2026. The area includes more thansufficient land to accommodate the fullrange of normal urban uses, such ashousing, industry, business,infrastructure, community facilities andurban open spaces, as well as some ruralresidential areas contiguous to urbanareas and well located with respect tourban services and facilities.

Inclusion of land in the Urban Footprintdoes not imply that all such lands can bedeveloped for urban purposes. The UrbanFootprint includes land with a wide rangeof opportunities and constraintsincluding areas identified as havingbiodiversity values of State, regional orlocal significance. There will, therefore, besome land within the Urban Footprintwhich is protected under State legislationsuch as the Vegetation Management Act1999 or local government planningschemes, or is otherwise unsuitable forurban development for a range of morelocal reasons.

Local government planning schemes anddetailed local Structure Plans will be theprincipal instruments for establishing thedesired nature and use of land and thepreferred timing of development withinthe Urban Footprint.

The Urban Footprintidentifies landpredominately allocatedto provide for theregion’s urbandevelopment needsto 2026.


The Urban Footprint:

• Defines the limits of urbandevelopment to 2026 through the useof cadastral boundaries or otherclearly defined physical features suchas waterways or roads

• Focuses urban growth in areas that:

– are well-located with respect toexisting and planned urbaninfrastructure, activity centres andservices;

– promote the development ofcohesive communities to support awide range of services andfacilities;

– are an orderly extension ofexisting urban areas or supportexisting centres, including theregion’s smaller townships; and

– have access to existing or plannedemployment centres

• Takes account of existing urbandevelopment, urban and contiguousrural residential land designations andforward planning designations inexisting and proposed localgovernment planning schemes as atAugust 2004.

Investigation area criteriaPrior to any urban development taking place in an Investigation Area, the following criteriamust be satisfied:

• there is an over riding need for the development proposal in the public interest (refer todraft Regulatory Provisions);

• a detailed investigation and evaluation of the relevant area has been undertaken todetermine the acceptable potential for development, the constraints and opportunities;

• significant environmental values are identified, protected and all possible andundesirable impacts mitigated;

• infrastructure and services are available and can be staged economically to meet thedemand and all required infrastructure corridors are identified and preserved;

• any out-of-sequence or bring forward costs will be borne by the development(s);

• appropriate sites for education, health and social facilities and other communityinfrastructure will be identified and provided;

• new developments will be structure planned to create balanced communities, with aguaranteed range and mix of housing type and price;

• affordable housing will be included as an integral component of the development;

• sub-tropical design and sustainability principles are employed to ensure demand forwater, power and waste are minimised and maximum advantage is taken of all reuseopportunities;

• commercial and/or industrial employment can be created within the development, orthere is a clearly defined relationship between the development and nearby jobopportunities, including identified journey-to-work arrangements;

• the development is planned to provide for, and supports the use of, internal andexternal public transport, walking and cycling;

• up-to-date communications technology will be made available to all homes andbusinesses;

• open space within the area and inter-urban breaks are provided where required; and

• the development is consistent with the intent of the Regional Plan, relevant localgovernment planning schemes, and relevant State planning instruments.

The Investigation Areas provide apotential land-bank for future medium tolonger-term urban development andinfrastructure corridors. It is important toprotect these areas from intervening andinappropriate uses before they arerequired. Not all of the land in each ofthese areas will be suitable for urbandevelopment.

The Investigation Areasprovide a potential

land-bank for futuremedium to longer-termurban development andinfrastructure corridors.

The Investigation Areas include land that has generally limited landscape orrural production values and appears tohave few physical constraints to futureuse for urban development. The ability of the Investigation Areas toaccommodate future urban expansion is protected through the DraftRegulatory Provisions.

The Investigation Areas are primarilylocated in the northern (CabooltureShire) and western (Ipswich City) parts ofthe region. These areas are not currentlythought to be required for urbandevelopment before 2026. Should therebe a need to release additional land forurban development purposes earlier,however, the State Government, inpartnership with local governments, willconduct detailed planning investigationsand consultation on the future of theseareas and modify the Regional Planaccordingly.

The smaller Investigation Areas inRedland Shire include land identified bythe Redland Shire Council as a possibleextension of the Urban Footprint. Thefuture of these Investigation Areas willbe determined following full publicconsultation through the Draft RegionalPlan and the draft planning scheme forthe Redland Shire.

The Mt Lindesay/North BeaudesertInvestigation Area includes land in thenorthern part of Beaudesert Shireextending into Gold Coast City and LoganCity. This Investigation Area presents acomplex array of planning issues. It islargely occupied by fragmented ruralresidential lots. However, there are somelarge undeveloped landholdings with

existing approvals for rural residentialdevelopment and the potential toaccommodate future urban communitiesand employment opportunities. Majorissues to be resolved include the preciseareas to be developed, if any, theprovision of infrastructure and thetiming of development.

Due to the fragmented, low-densitynature of existing development, the areais relatively poorly provided with urbanservices, particularly water, wastewater,public transport, community services andthere are relatively few local employmentopportunities.

It is intended to resolve the future of the Mt Lindesay/North BeaudesertInvestigation Area as a high priority. The Draft Regulatory Provisions prevent further fragmentation of this area for aperiod of 18 months. The necessaryplanning investigations will beundertaken in this period.

Rural Living Areas comprise certainlarge areas that are currently zoned forrural residential development in localgovernment planning schemes and aresubstantially developed for thatpurpose. Future rural residentialdevelopment through infill andconsolidation of these areas is permitted under the Regional Plan.

Urban structure 15


Rural Living Areascomprise certain largeareas that are currentlyzoned for ruralresidential developmentin local governmentplanning schemes andare substantiallydeveloped for thatpurpose.

Part E

SustainabilityIn the next 20 years, SEQ will grow by upto one million people and willconsolidate its reputation as one of themost liveable, attractive and prosperousregions in Australia for residents,businesses and visitors. To achieve this,the region must balance the protectionof ecological processes and naturalsystems at a regional level with economicdevelopment and the maintenance of thecultural, economic, physical and socialwell-being of people and communities.

Development of the Regional Plan isbased on the ecologically sustainabledevelopment (ESD) principles asexpressed in IPA and the NationalStrategy for ESD.


Regional Growth ManagementStrategy

The Regional Growth Management Strategy sets out the desired regional outcomes, principles and strategiesproposed to address growth management issues in SEQ.

The desired regionaloutcome topics are:• Natural environment, resources and

rural production

• Urban form

• Strong communities

• A diverse economy

• Integrated transport

• Infrastructure and services

• Engaging Aboriginal and TorresStraight Islander Peoples.

Principles and strategies

Principle 1.1 – RegionalLandscape and RuralProduction Area

The Regional Landscape and RuralProduction Area will be protected tomaintain the natural environment andresources, and the values of open space,scenic amenity, nature conservation,outdoor recreation and rural economic activity.

Strategies

S1.1 – Confirm a Regional Landscapeand Rural Production Area thatrecognises regionally significantconservation, natural resource, ruralproduction and recreation values.

17Natural environment, resources and rural production

Natural environment, resourcesand rural production

SEQ is widely recognised for the qualityand diversity of its natural environment,productive natural resources and regionallandscape areas. The SEQ region is one ofthe most biodiverse regions in Australia.However, growing populations and urbanareas are placing pressure on resources,ecological processes and the naturalenvironment. Both rural and urbancommunities need to mitigate the adverseimpacts from growth.

Environmental and natural resourcesunderpin the region’s liveability and forma substantial component of the economy.The region accounts for approximately 14 per cent of Queensland’s farmproduction and is the hub of Queensland’sagricultural processing industries. Ruralproduction areas represent around 58 per cent of the region.

SEQ supports many highly valuedenvironmental, rural production, natural, economic and recreationalresources and scenic features. Theprotection and management of thesevalues will require the coordination ofregional policy initiatives and legislationand is fundamental to the region’ssustainable future.

Desired regional outcome 1:A healthy and diverse regional landscape where key environmental, natural resource andrural production areas are protected, enhanced, used sustainably and adaptively managed.

S1.2 – Protect land and resources frominappropriate land use and developmentin the Regional Landscape and RuralProduction Area.

S1.3 – Review and monitor theenvironmental, social and economicvalues of the Regional Landscape andRural Production Area and implementactions to integrate and protect thesevalues.

Principle 1.2 – Conserving nature

The region’s significant natureconservation values; habitat forendangered, vulnerable, rare or regionalpriority species; bio-regional corridors,wetlands and waterways; remnant andriparian vegetation; and underlyingecological processes; will be conserved,managed, rehabilitated and/or restored.

Strategies

S1.4 – Protect and manage regionallysignificant nature conservation valuesthrough the implementation of policies,strategies and programs and through theregulation of the Regional Landscape andRural Production Area.

Principle 1.3 –Protecting the coast andwaterways

Coastal environments, water catchments,waterways, wetlands and groundwaterwill be protected from the impacts ofregional growth and the health ofaquatic and marine ecosystems will beenhanced.

Strategies

S1.5 – Restrict development inecologically sensitive coastal areas,wetlands and waterways.

S1.6 – Manage water catchments andthe water cycle through a whole-of-catchment approach that integrateswater resource planning, water qualityplanning and safe wastewater recycling.

S1.7 – Future urban, tourism and othereconomic development along the coast isconsolidated within existing urban areas.

S1.8 – Land use planning, developmentassessment and land managementpractices address the potential impactsof natural hazards including flooding andstorm tides and the climate changeimpacts of sea level rise.

S1.9 – Planning, design, constructionand operation of infrastructure locatedwithin the coastal zone maintains coastalgeophysical and ecological functions.

Principle 1.4 –Managing air quality

Urban form, transport and industry aremanaged to minimise impacts on airquality to achieve agreed air qualitystandards.

Strategies

S1.10 – Improve understanding,modelling and monitoring of the SEQ airshed and use this in land use andtransport planning.

Principle 1.5 - Natural economic resources

The region’s natural economic resourcesare managed sustainably and usedefficiently to meet the needs of existingand future communities.

Strategies

S1.11 – Protect natural economicresource areas from inappropriate landuse and fragmentation.

S1.12 – Manage land use and improveland management practices to protectthe quality of potable water supplysources.

S1.13 – Encourage and promote theimplementation of demand managementand efficiency measures, substitution ofnon-renewable resources, and the use ofbest management practices in naturalresource-based industries.

S1.14 – Establish and strengthenregional mechanisms to coordinate andintegrate natural resource management.

S1.15 – Identify, evaluate and protectextractive and mineral resources forfuture extraction, and plan forappropriate transport to markets.

Principle 1.6 – Supporting rural production

Rural economic resources are conservedand managed to enhance theircontribution to the regional economy,rural industries and the regionallandscape.

Strategies

S1.16 – Prevent further fragmentationand reconfiguration of productive rurallands to maintain viable farm sizes andachieve separation of incompatible landuses.

S1.17 – Optimise reliable water supplyfor rural industries by clarifyingentitlements through the implementationof water recycling and waterconservation and efficiency measures.

S1.18 – Protect, manage and rehabilitatethe region’s marine and freshwaterhabitats to maintain sustainable fishstocks.


Restrict development inecologically sensitive

coastal areas, wetlandsand waterways.

Principle 1.7 – Protecting scenic amenity

Areas and features of high scenicamenity are protected and managed.

Strategies

S1.19 – Output from the SEQ RegionalScenic Amenity Study will be used toidentify the region’s scenic amenityvalues and inform future planning,design and decision-making.

Principle 1.8 – Outdoor recreation and tourism

A diverse range of opportunities foroutdoor recreation and nature-based andrural tourism will be provided to satisfydemand and support local and regionaleconomies.

Strategies

S1.20 – Recognise outdoor recreation as a distinct and important land use andgive it due consideration in planningprocesses.

S1.21 – Establish and maintain aregional outdoor recreation networkincluding new regional parks andregional trails, and develop a regionaloutdoor recreation strategy.

S1.22 – Outdoor recreation and tourismactivities are managed on a sustainablebasis to protect ecological, scenic andcultural values, consistent withcommunity priorities.

S1.23 – The natural environment, rural,outdoor recreation, culture and heritagevalues of the region are promoted astourism opportunities where appropriate.

Principle 1.9 – Regional integration

Coordination and integration of regionalenvironmental and resource managementstrategies, policies and initiatives.

Strategies

S1.24 – Ensure existing and emergingregional, environmental and naturalresource strategies are integrated andaligned to the Regional Plan.

S1.25 – Facilitate collaborativegovernment and community planningand management for the region’s keyresources and values.

S1.26 – Identify and develop a publiclyaccessible open space network for SEQ asthe basis for the management ofregionally significant open space.

S1.27 – Identify and evaluate theenvironmental, economic and socialbenefits derived from ecosystem servicesin the region, and use this information toguide and integrate regional planning.

S1.28 – Establish a range of options forconservation and resource managementon private lands based on a flexible,cooperative, voluntary and incentives-based approach and respect forlandowner rights.

S1.29 – Develop a regional greenhousegas reduction strategy that providesregional level commitment to meet Stateand National greenhouse objectives.

Regional Landscape andRural Production AreaThe key regional landscape elements andtheir broad planning intents aresummarised in Table 1. Theseenvironmental and natural economicresources deliver a range of economicand community benefits across theentire region.

A major initiative of the Regional Plan isthe definition of a Regional Landscapeand Rural Production Area, wheredevelopment for urban purposes andreconfiguration of land will be regulated.

Landscapes in the region support arange of regionally significant resourcesand values. A landscape planningframework will be developed to supportintegrated planning and effectivemanagement of these key resources andvalues across the Regional Landscapeand Rural Production Area.

Natural environment, resources and rural production 19

PART E – REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The natural environment,rural, outdoor recreation,culture and heritagevalues of the region arepromoted as tourismopportunities whereappropriate.

Table 1: Regional landscape elements and broad intents

Core landscape areas

Core landscape areas support one or more regionally significant landscape elements:

• Nature conservation areasAreas supporting nature conservation values of International, National, State or regional significance

• Rural production areasAreas supporting rural activities, including clusters of rural industries capitalising on the availability of particular soil types, water, climateor proximity to markets and processing facilities

• High scenic amenity areasAreas displaying high levels of scenic amenity to the region, including areas or features with high visual exposure containing sceneryhighly preferred by the community

• Key outdoor recreation areasAreas recognised as regionally important for outdoor recreational activities.

Broad intent: The management of core landscape areas protects the values and delivers singular or multiple outcomes, according torecognised priorities.

Landscape corridors

Landscape corridors link core landscape areas and other landscape elements. Broad intent: Landscape corridors are maintained and enhancedby ensuring land uses and activities within the corridor are compatible with and support corridor function.

Inter-regional landscape links

Inter-regional landscape links are areas with important landscape connections to adjoining regions that support regional landscapefunctions. Areas include the coastline and bioregional corridors. Broad intent: Inter-regional landscape links connecting adjoining regionsare recognised in regional initiatives.

Inter-urban breaks

Inter-urban breaks separate major urban areas and are dominated by rural and natural landscapes. Broad intent: Inter-urban breaks aremanaged as non-urban areas supporting activities that reinforce their natural and rural character.

Rural living areas

Areas that are generally developed for or suitable for rural residential development. Broad intent: Rural living areas are managed ascontained clusters.

Rural townships

Smaller urban communities that generally service rural catchments. Broad intent: Rural townships are managed to maintain their characterand role as activity nodes supporting the rural community.

Regional infrastructure and land intensive uses

Regional infrastructure includes transport, energy and water storage/supply infrastructure. Land intensive uses includes extractive/miningoperations, haul routes, sewage and water treatment plants and waste management facilities. Broad intent: Regional infrastructure andland intensive uses are managed to minimise impacts and surrounding land uses ensure continued operation.

Water sources and catchments

Hydrologic catchments of existing and potential water storages and regionally significant groundwater areas. Broad intent: Land use ismanaged within water storage catchments to protect the quality of receiving waters, including storages, delivery channels and groundwatersources used for potable water supply.

Coastal waters and foreshores

Coastal waters and foreshores as defined in the State Coastal Management Plan.Broad intent: Coastal and marine resources and values are protected and managed to facilitate a variety of uses and activities.


Nature conservationNature conservation areas of SEQ areamong the richest and most diverse inAustralia. Natural landscapes andecological processes provide clean airand water, productive soils, biodiversity,scenic amenity and outdoor recreationsettings for the region and substantiallycontribute to the region’s quality of life.

The region’s nature conservation areasreflect areas with significant biodiversityvalues. These areas include:

World Heritage areas

The Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves(Australia) World Heritage Area is locatedalong the border ranges between NewSouth Wales and Queensland from GoldCoast to Boonah and covers an area ofapproximately 60,000 hectares within SEQ.

Coastal resources

Moreton Bay is one of Australia’s top 12shorebird habitats supporting 16 speciesof resident shorebirds and 35 migrantspecies. SEQ coastal areas also includeregionally significant coastal wetlands atPumicestone Passage and Carbrook nearLogan; coastal dune systems on Moreton,Bribie and Stradbroke Islands; and criticalhabitat for dugongs and turtles inMoreton Bay.

Bioregional Wildlife Corridors

Within SEQ, 29 Bioregional WildlifeCorridors have been identified based onremnant and other vegetation, and areaswhere landscape restoration would bedesirable.

Flora and fauna habitat

SEQ provides habitat for approximately4,000 plant and 800 freshwater andterrestrial vertebrate animal species.

Areas with special biodiversitysignificance

SEQ has a number of special and diverseconservation areas. These includecabbage palm forest on South StradbrokeIsland; sub-coastal wet heath patches inBrisbane; remnant and regrowthrainforest patches associated with theBuderim Plateau; Kin Kin Creek; littoralrainforest on dunes at Coolum; WhiteRock shrubby forest and woodland onsandstone; and Mt Sylvia Spur runningoff Mistake Plateau, south of Laidley.

Areas with remnant vegetation

SEQ contains approximately 43 per cent remnant vegetation. Based on Queensland Herbariummapping, 38 per cent of this supportsregional ecosystems that are not ofconcern; 47 per cent are of concern; and 15 per cent are endangered regionalecosystems.

Rural production andnatural resourcesRural production and natural resourceareas are vitally important to the regionaleconomy, supporting a diverse range ofindustries. The Regional Plan promotesthe sustainable management of ruralproduction and natural resource areas byprotecting them from incompatibledevelopment and promoting thelivelihoods of the people who work inrural and natural resource industries.

SEQ’s rural production and naturaleconomic resource areas include:

Agriculture

Agricultural industries are the principalland use on privately owned non-urbanland in SEQ. The majority of theagricultural area is used for beef cattleproduction, with dairy farming located onsome of the more productive grazing land.

The rich alluvial soils along the valleys inthe west and south of the regionincluding the Brisbane, Lockyer, Fassifernand the Albert-Logan valleys support avast array of fruit, vegetable and othercropping industries. Closer to the coast,horticultural and cropping industriesthrive in the Gold Coast, Redlands,Glasshouse Mountains and SunshineCoast districts. Sugar cane is the maincrop in the northern Gold Coast andSunshine Cost areas. Chicken meatproduction is the main intensive livestockindustry in the region.



Nature conservationareas of SEQ are amongthe richest and mostdiverse in Australia.


MAP 3

Nature conservation



MAP 4

Rural production and natural resources


MAP 5

Publicly accessible regional open space

Forestry

SEQ has significant areas of plantationforestry incorporating about 15 per centof the State-owned plantations. Thelargest plantation is in the Beerburrumarea. Plantation forestry is a profitablebusiness that supports a range of valueadding enterprises. Demand forplantation grown timbers continues torise and Australia remains a net importerof forest products.

Fisheries

SEQ has important freshwater andestuarine fisheries and fish habitats.Moreton Bay accounts for 20 per cent ofthe commercial fisheries catch inQueensland. Recreational fisheries fromestuaries, bays and ocean beaches areimportant to the lifestyle of the region.Active fish stocking programs supportfreshwater fishing in rivers andimpoundments. Aquaculture is also a keyactivity concentrating on freshwaterfinfish and crayfish, marine oysters andprawns.

Water sources and catchments

SEQ’s water supplies are obtained fromvarious surface water (including damsand weirs) and groundwater sources. Forurban potable water purposes, the fivelargest sources are the Wivenhoe/Somerset Dams, Hinze/Little NerangDams, North Pine Dam, Baroon PocketDam and the North Stradbroke Islandborefield.

The potential Wyaralong and GlendowerDam sites are reserved for future regionalbulk water sources. This could includesupply for urban areas, rural uses, or both.

Rural water supplies are mainly sourcedfrom the region’s streams, includingsupplemented supplies from the Maroonand Moogerah Dams, smaller quantitiesfrom the Wivenhoe and Somerset Damand from groundwater extraction in theLockyer Valley.

The region’s water supply catchmentsand significant groundwater areas,especially those providing potable water,need to be carefully managed to ensuretreatment costs are minimised and thatpollutants do not compromise the qualityof receiving waters.

Extractive resources

The extractive resources of SEQ aredispersed across the region. Fifty extractiveresource sites of regional significance havebeen identified as the primary source ofraw material for the infrastructure andbuilding construction industries.

Hardrock resource deposits include thoseat Beerwah, Bracalba, Kholo Creek,Petrie/Narangba, Beenleigh and theDarlington Range. Sand and gravelresources are found in the alluvial flatsof the Pine and Logan Rivers and atBeachmere. Moreton Bay has beenidentified as a potential source of sand.

Demand for extractive materials isanticipated to rise in response todevelopment demand and associatedcommunity and transport infrastructure.

Mineral resources

Mineral resources include coal, metallicores and industrial minerals such asrutile and zircon, silica and foundry sand.These resources include the key coalfieldsaround Ipswich, mineral sands on NorthStradbroke Island and sandstone nearHelidon. Other known deposits includesilica sand, dolomite, diatomite, perliteand ceramic clay. Granted mining leases,claims, licences or applications covermost of the valuable minerals resourcesin the region.



Recreational fisheriesfrom estuaries, bays andocean beaches areimportant to the lifestyleof the region.

Publicly accessibleregional open spaceA regional open space network should beone of the key spatial components of theregion. A publicly accessible open spacenetwork for SEQ is proposed to includeregionally significant lands that arepublicly accessible for a range of outdoorrecreation, cultural, educational andscientific research purposes.

Lands in the SEQ publicly accessibleregional open space network may beowned and managed by State or localgovernments, including National Parks,Marine Parks, State Forests, regionalparks, regional trails, water supplyreservoirs and major parks and reserves.The network may also include privatelyowned lands where voluntaryarrangements have been formallyestablished to effectively manage publicaccess and use. The regional open spacenetwork can support tourism enterprisesand contribute directly to urban and ruraleconomies. It will link to open spaceareas within the Urban Footprint andInvestigation Areas.

The SEQ publicly accessible regional openspace network will be developed andmanaged in consultation with TraditionalOwners, interested community members,groups and industry bodies, privatelandowners, local governments andrelevant State agencies. The RegionalLandscape and Open Space AdvisoryCommittee will provide strategic advice.

Environment and naturalresource programsThere are a significant number of naturalenvironment, environmental quality,natural resource, scenic amenity,recreational and landscape relatedlegislation, policy, programs and activitiesapplying within the SEQ region. TheRegional Plan has not sought toreproduce, refine or amend the detailedissues, policies and strategies covered bythese programs.

However, there is an emerging need todevelop a more coordinated andintegrated approach to managing theregions environmental and naturalresource areas. Recent moves tointegrate the activities of the SEQNatural Resource Management Plan andthe Western Catchment Natural ResourceManagement Plan expand thisphilosophy.


A publicly accessibleopen space network for

SEQ is proposed toinclude regionally

significant lands that arepublicly accessible for a

range of outdoorrecreation, cultural,

educational and scientificresearch purposes.


There are a significantnumber of naturalenvironment,environmental quality,natural resource, scenicamenity, recreational andlandscape relatedlegislation, policy,programs and activitiesapplying within the SEQregion.


Existing environmental and resource management strategies and programs

These include, but are not limited to:

• Regional Nature Conservation Strategy

• State Planning Policy 1/97: Conservation of Koalas in the Koala Coast

• State Planning Policy 1/92: Development and Conservation of Good Quality Agricultural Land

• State Planning Policy 1/03: Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire andLandslide

• State Coastal Management Plan

• Strategy for the Conservation and Management of Queensland Wetlands

• Queensland Trust for Nature

• Waste Management Strategy for Queensland

• Western Catchment Natural Resource Management Plan

• SEQ Water Quality Improvement Plan (in preparation)

• Strategy for Water Sensitive Design in SEQ (in preparation)

• Natural Resource Management (NRM) SEQ Regional Plan

• SEQ 2021 Rural Futures Strategy

• SEQ Regional Forest Agreement

• SEQ Regional Air Quality Strategy

• SEQ Regional Coastal Management Plan (in preparation)

• SEQ Regional Water Quality Management Strategy

• SEQ Regional Scenic Amenity Study (in preparation)

• SEQ Water Recycling Strategy (in preparation)

• Water Resource Plans.


Principle 2.1 – Urban pattern

Consolidate the region’s urbandevelopment footprint, provide fordiscrete urban areas separated by inter-urban breaks. Reduce ad-hoc anddispersed development and improve the links between residential areas,employment locations and transportservices.

Strategies

S2.1 – Consolidate urban developmentwithin the Urban Footprint.

S2.2 – Prohibit development for urbanpurposes outside the Urban Footprint.

S2.3 – Protect inter-urban breaks toseparate and frame discrete urbansettlement areas.

S2.4 – Contain further rural residentialdevelopment within designated UrbanFootprint and Rural Living Areas.


Urban form

SEQ is the third largest urban region inAustralia and is continuing to experiencesignificant and sustained growthpressure with over 50,000 new residentsper year placing high demand on theregion’s natural resources, urban systems,infrastructure and services.

Urban development practices in SEQ needreform if the region is to manage futuregrowth whilst maintaining naturalresources and lifestyle values. Thisrequires a commitment to a moresustainable pattern of development,efficient utilisation of land and tightercontrol over ad-hoc and dispersed formsof development.

Desired regional outcome 2:A compact and sustainable urban pattern of well-planned communities, supported by anetwork of accessible centres having a close relationship with residential areas,employment locations and the transport system, framed by Regional Landscape and RuralProduction Areas.

Principle 2.2 – Urban growth management

Make more efficient use of land allocatedfor urban development and ensure thatnew development is integrated with thedelivery of transport, infrastructure,services and employment opportunities.

Strategies

S2.5 – Consolidate urban developmentto improve utilisation of land and theefficient provision of infrastructure andservices.

S2.6 – Integrate land use, infrastructure,transport, employment planning anddevelopment.

S2.7 – Increase progressively theproportion of new dwellings created byinfill and redevelopment of existingurban areas across the region to 40 percent of all new dwellings constructedbetween 2004 and 2016, and 50 per centbetween 2016 and 2026.

S2.8 – Focus higher density and mixed-use development in and around RegionalActivity Centres and public transportnodes and routes, including potentialTransit Oriented Development (TOD) sites.

S2.9 – Provide information and servicesto support increased developmentdensities at Regional Activity Centres andTOD sites.

S2.10 – Develop new greenfield sites asintegrated communities, not justsubdivided land.

S2.11 – Major new residentialdevelopment areas to achieve a minimumnet residential density of 15 dwellingsper hectare.

S2.12 – Prepare Local GrowthManagement Strategies to identify howand where additional dwellings andemployment will be accommodated.

Principle 2.3 – Regional Activity CentresNetwork

Employment and services will be focusedon a network of well-planned, vibrantand accessible Regional Activity Centres.

Strategies

S2.13 – Define and support a RegionalActivity Centre Network.

S2.14 – Align local government planningschemes to reflect the role and functionof the Regional Activity Centres networkand to restrict out-of-centredevelopment.

S2.15 – Locate major employment andtrip generating activities within RegionalActivity Centres wherever practicable.

S2.16 – Strengthen Regional ActivityCentres with appropriate transportinfrastructure and government andcommunity services.

S2.17 – Prepare detailed local plans andimplementation programs for RegionalActivities Centres.

Principle 2.4 – Rural centres

Rural centres will be vibrant communityfocal points that provide a range ofservices to their catchment populations.

Strategies

S2.18 – Consolidate future ruralpopulation growth around existing townsand villages.

S2.19 – Identify land to accommodatefuture planned growth opportunities inrural centres.

S2.20 – Support the identified RuralActivity Centres through the targetedprovision of infrastructure and services.

Urban form 29


Consolidate urbandevelopment to improveutilisation of land andthe efficient provision ofinfrastructure andservices.


MAP 6

Indicative planning populations by sub-region

Principle 2.5 – Integrated planning ofdevelopment areas

Major greenfield development andredevelopment areas are planned anddeveloped as integrated communitieswith good accessibility to services,infrastructure and employmentopportunities.

Strategies

S2.21 – Prepare Structure Plans for allnew residential development areas priorto approval of development.

Principle 2.6 – Housing mix and affordability

Provide for a variety and mix of dwellingtype, size and tenure to meet diversecommunity needs and achieve housingchoice and affordability throughout theregion.

Strategies

S2.22 – New residential developments toincorporate a mix of housing types tomeet the current and future needs of thecommunity.

Principle 6.7 – Designing for asubtropical region

Development should be designed andsited to reflect SEQ’s climate, to maximiseliveability and reinforce our uniqueidentity as Australia’s only subtropicalmetropolitan region.

Strategies

S2.23 – Incorporate subtropical designprinciples of orientation, siting andpassive climate control into all newdevelopments.

S2.24 – Buildings are a legacy for thefuture and should be designed withcareful attention to the intended use.Give greater attention to the appropriatefunctional design and aesthetics of allprominent buildings in the BrisbaneCentral Business District (CBD) andRegional Activity Centres.

Urban structureThe proposed urban structure is based onthe principle of accommodating themajority of regional growth in existingurban centres or within designated urbangrowth areas.

Key components of the urban structureare:

• containment of urban developmentwithin the Urban Footprint;

• allocation of sufficient land withinthe Urban Footprint to more thanadequately accommodate projectedpopulation and housing growth to 2026;

• identification of a number ofInvestigation Areas that could provideadditional lands for future urbangrowth beyond the life of the plan, orearlier if required;

• clear delineation of discrete urbanareas within a Regional Landscapeand Rural Production Area framework,including defined inter-urban breaksbetween settlement areas and alongmajor transport corridors;

• delineation of five major urban areas:

– Greater Brisbane

– Ipswich

– Sunshine Coast

– Gold Coast

– Toowoomba.

• a range of discrete rural and coastaltowns and villages;

• a defined network of Regional ActivityCentres serviced and linked via anefficient transport system;

• improved coordination betweenpublic transport services, residentialareas and employment locations;

• a higher proportion of growth in infilland redevelopment areas, with areduced dependency on greenfielddevelopment; and

Urban form 31


The proposed urbanstructure is based on theprinciple ofaccommodating themajority of regionalgrowth in existing urbancentres or withindesignated urban growthareas.

• a general increase in housingdensities across the region, primarilyto be achieved through:

– achieving a minimum netresidential density of 15 dwellingsper hectare in major newresidential development areas;

– targeting medium and highdensity development aroundRegional Activity Centres andpublic transport nodes, nominatedas potential TOD sites; and

– constraining further zoning of landsfor rural residential developmentand development of existing ruralresidential zoned lands.

Population capacityThe population capacity of the region,based on the preferred urban structure, isset out in Table 2. The populationcapacities are based on two sets ofassumptions – if development continuesto occur in line with current trends andexpectations, and if the Regional Plan’sdensity and consolidation targets areachieved. The estimates do not includeany urban population growth within theInvestigation Areas or the Mt Lindsay/North Beaudesert Investigation Area.

Efficient use of landBy 2026, approximately 550,000 newdwellings will be required toaccommodate the projected populationchanges in the region. Continuing toprovide a high proportion of thesedwellings as low-density detachedhouses on the urban fringe isunsustainable both in terms of landconsumption and the cost of providingurban services.

A better alternative is to provide a higherproportion of the new dwellings inlocations that take advantage of existingfacilities and services and to ensure thatgreenfield development uses landefficiently.

To promote consolidation within theUrban Footprint, the Regional Plan:

• sets targets for increasing theproportion of new dwellings providedthrough infill or redevelopment to 40 per cent of all new detached andattached dwellings constructed in theregion between 2004 and 2016,increasing to 50 per cent between2016 and 2026;

• requires major new residentialdevelopments to achieve an average minimum net yield of 15 dwellings per hectare. These areasmay include several landholdings ordevelopment parcels. The allocationof a mix of development densitiesand housing types should bedetermined through the preparationof a Structure Plan; and

• requires higher density residentialdevelopment to be focused within andaround Regional Activity Centres andpublic transport nodes including TODsites to improve accessibility toexisting and planned facilities andservices.


Table 2 – Urban structure population capacities

Population location Current trends Plan provision

Existing population 2,470,000 2,470,000

Additional capacityUrban Footprint 1,240,000 1,675,000Rural Living Areas 20,000 20,000Other non-urban 25,000 25,000

Total estimated population capacity 3,755,000 4,190,000

The population capacity of the Regional Plan’s settlement pattern lies within the range of3.755 million to 4.19 million, providing more than sufficient land to accommodate theprojected population of 3.7 million people in 2026.

Urban form 33


The targets for the proportions of newdwellings to be provided through infilland redevelopment are regional averagesand equate to 126,000 of the 315,000new dwellings required between 2004and 2016; and 118,000 of the 225,000new dwellings required between 2016and 2026.

The distribution of these regionalinfill/redevelopment targets betweenlocal government areas depends on arange of factors including:

• the size of the existing developed areaand the number and type of existingdwellings;

• accessibility to employment,education, recreation and publictransport opportunities;

• availability of natural attractions suchas proximity to beaches and waterfeatures;

• availability of greenfield residentialdevelopment land; and

• current trends in housing provision.

Taking these factors into consideration,it is clear that the regional consolidationand infill targets will be met throughrelatively high levels of infill andredevelopment in the major urbanisedlocal government areas such as BrisbaneCity and Gold Coast City.

The dwelling targets for predominantlyurban local governments are set out inTable 3. The targets are expressed astotal new dwellings and allow fordwellings occupied by visitors,unoccupied dwellings and a proportionof the population to reside in non-private dwellings. The Regional Planencourages those local governments for whom dwellings targets have notbeen specified to also identify and encourage opportunities for infill and redevelopment within theirurban areas.

Table 3 – New dwelling targets for major urban local governments (2004 to 2026)

2001 2004–2016 2016–2026 2004–2026

Existing Total new Infill Total new Infill Total new Infill Local government area dwellings dwellings dwellings dwellings dwellings dwellings dwellings

Beaudesert Shire 8,800 10,000 0 10,000 0 20,000 0Brisbane City 359,000 80,000 58,500 60,500 55,500 140,500 114,000Caboolture Shire 41,900 15,000 3,000 11,000 3,000 26,000 6,000Caloundra City 32,800 17,500 4,000 17,000 4,000 34,500 8,000Gold Coast City 180,900 72,500 33,500 58,000 27,000 130,500 60,500Ipswich City 45,600 41,000 6,000 34,000 7,500 75,000 13,500Logan City 58,200 7,000 1,500 8,000 2,500 15,000 4,000Maroochy Shire 53,100 28,500 6,500 10,000 6,000 38,500 12,500Noosa Shire 21,200 3,000 1,500 1,100 1,000 4,100 2,500Pine Rivers Shire 41,400 16,500 4,000 12,500 4,000 29,000 8,000Redcliffe City 21,500 4,000 2,000 2,300 2,000 6,300 4,000Redland Shire 43,400 10,000 4,000 4,800 4,000 14,800 8,000Toowoomba City 34,300 6,500 1,500 4,000 1,000 10,500 2,500

Note: The targets for Beaudesert Shire are notional targets that will be revised when the planning issues in the Mt Lindesay/NorthBeaudesert Investigation Area are resolved.

Regional consolidationand infill targets will bemet through relativelyhigh levels of infill andredevelopment in themajor urbanised localgovernment areas.

Regional Activity CentresRegional Activity Centres are aconcentration of higher density living,business, employment, research,education, services and social interaction.

A strong and successful network ofRegional Activity Centres can help toachieve compact, self-contained anddiverse communities by facilitating anefficient public transport system,providing a focus for governmentinvestment in infrastructure and services,promoting commercial confidence andencouraging complementary privatesector investment.

The Regional Activity Centres networkencourages the development of centreswhich:

• provide for economic growth throughthe co-location of a mix of land uses;

• achieve a more efficientconcentration of goods and services;

• identify appropriate locations forgovernment investment in publictransport, health, education, culturaland entertainment facilities;

• provide a focus for community andsocial interaction;

• manage private travel demand byencouraging multi-purpose trips andshorter travel distances;

• provide better opportunities for landuse and transport integration,particularly walking, cycling andpublic transport; and

• provide interesting and diverse placesto live, work and socialise.

Regional Activity Centres shouldaccommodate higher density residentialdevelopment and land uses that supporthigh employment intensity and tripgenerating activities and facilitatetransit-oriented development. ActivityCentre design should encourage walkingand cycling with a high level of access topublic transport.

Out-of-centre development isinconsistent with regional planningpriorities as it results in inefficientdevelopment and undermines public andprivate investment in designated centres.

The network of Regional ActivityCentres proposed for SEQ is shown inMaps 7 and 8. It is based around thefollowing activity centre categories:

Primary Activity Centre

The Brisbane CBD is the region’s PrimaryActivity Centre as it accommodates thelargest and most diverse concentrationof activities, uses and development, andserves as a catchment of prime regionalsignificance. It is the key focus ofgovernment administration; and higherorder retail, commercial, and specialisedpersonal and professional services.

In addition, it accommodates cultural,entertainment, health and educationfacilities of State and Nationalsignificance. Being the centre of highestemployment depth, mix and density, and supporting a significant in-centreresidential population, the CBD is amajor trip generator and attracter, and is the focus of the regional publictransport system.

Principal Activity Centres

The region’s Principal Activity Centresserve as catchments of sub-regionalsignificance and accommodate keyconcentrations of employment inaddition to business, major comparisonand convenience retail and service uses.They provide a secondary administrativefocus, accommodating regional offices ofgovernment, and regionally significanthealth, education, cultural andentertainment facilities.

Outside the Brisbane CBD, PrincipalActivity Centres provide the key focalpoints of regional employment depth,mix and density and in-centre residentialdevelopment. As major trip generators,these centres are typically serviced bymulti-modal public transport services,and comprise key nodes in the regionalpublic transport system.


Regional Activity Centresare a concentration of

higher density living,business, employment,

research, education,services and social

interaction.

Urban form 35


MAP 7

Urban form – SEQ


MAP 8

Urban form – Greater Brisbane and the Western Corridor

Major Activity Centres

Major Activity Centres complement thePrincipal Activity Centre network, servingcatchments of major district significance;accommodating key districtconcentrations of employment inaddition to business, service, limitedcomparison and major convenience retailuses. As a secondary sub-regional focusof administration, these centresaccommodate district or branch officesof government, and cultural andentertainment facilities of districtsignificance. Providing a focus forresidential intensification, these centrestypically comprise key suburban or inter-urban nodes of the regional public transport system.

Emerging Activity Centres

These centres provide the focus for majoremerging communities, comprising theprimary focus of regionally significanturban growth. They are planned to evolveto provide key sub-regional or districtconcentrations of administrative,business, retail, cultural andentertainment activity. They are also thepreferred locations for major health,education and public transport services.These centres are anticipated to evolveinto Major or in some cases PrincipalActivity Centres by 2026.

Future Activity Centre (Ripley Valley)

This centre is the primary focus ofregionally significant urban growthcommitments in the Western Corridor. Itis planned to evolve by 2026 to providekey sub-regional concentrations ofadministrative, business, retail, culturaland entertainment activity. It is also thepreferred location for major health,education and public transport services.

Specialist Activity Centres

Specialist Activity Centres are precinctsof regional economic significance, havinga primary non-retail or commercialfunction. They typically provide a primaryfocus for specialised economic activity,employment and/or education. The coreeconomic, employment and/or educationemphasis of such centres results in highlevels of trip generation.

Rural Activity Centre Network

Rural settlements play an important rolein the region and provide a range ofgoods, services and employmentopportunities for their residentpopulation and surrounding ruralhinterland. The settlement pattern for theregion acknowledges that each RuralActivity Centre has an important role andprovides unique services to theircommunity.

The rural settlement pattern is based onlocal and regional cooperation andpartnership, to enable each settlement todevelop its own unique andcomplementary character.

• Principal Rural Activity Centres –service centre supporting a sub-regional rural catchment, whichcontains a concentration of ruralservices; commercial, retail,government and communityactivities; with good road and publictransport linkages.

• Major Rural Activity Centres – rural towns providing more than oneservice function to the surroundingrural catchment. They arecharacterised by a concentration ofretail, commercial, community andsome government services. They havegood road connections and may havepublic transport services.

• Rural Villages – small villages orlocalities that have a single functionor provide a small range ofconvenience services. Thesesettlements may accommodatecontiguous and infill growthreflecting the scale of the settlement.

Urban form 37


Major Activity Centrescomplement the PrincipalActivity Centre network,serving catchments ofmajor district significance;accommodating keydistrict concentrations ofemployment in additionto business, service,limited comparison andmajor convenience retail uses.


MAP 9

Potential Transit Orientated Developments


Transit OrientedDevelopments (TODs)TODs are mixed use residential andcommercial areas designed to maximisethe efficient use of land through highlevels of access to public transport. ATOD neighbourhood or activity centre hasa walkable and cycle friendly core with arail or bus station surrounded byrelatively high-density development,employment, or a range of mixed uses.

Prerequisites for any TOD would include:

• they are, or will be, serviced by highquality public transport;

• they provide, or are planned toprovide, levels of development densityand intensity that support publictransit; and

• they provide a pedestrian friendly,walkable catchment, centred aroundthe public transport node or corridor.

The main strategies for promoting TODsare to:

• promote TOD principles throughdetailed planning for Activity Centres;

• increase residential densities aroundpublic transport nodes such as railand bus stations. Residentialdevelopment in these locationsshould be medium to high density,and mixed-use activities in the rangeof 40-80 dwellings per hectare;

• concentrate higher densitydevelopment in greenfield areasdesigned around existing or futurepublic transport nodes; and

• establish a TOD Taskforce to facilitatedevelopment at TOD priority locations,where the conditions are suitable.

The specific scale, intensity and land usemixes at each TOD will be determinedthrough Local Growth ManagementStrategies and detailed structureplanning processes. Local governments

Urban form 39

Local Growth Management Strategies The timeframes for preparingLocal Growth ManagementStrategies are:

• Completed by June 2006

– Brisbane City Council

– Gold Coast City Council

– Ipswich City Council

– Maroochy Shire Council.

• Completed by June 2007

– Caboolture Shire Council

– Caloundra City Council

– Logan City Council

– Noosa Shire Council

– Pine Rivers Shire Council

– Redcliffe City Council

– Redland Shire Council

– Toowoomba City Council.

Local Growth Management Strategieswill be prepared to:

• demonstrate how dwelling targetsand associated jobs and infrastructurewill be accommodated;

• demonstrate that targets can beachieved through the identification ofopportunities for infill andredevelopment including ActivityCentres and TODs;

• set priorities for investigation andplanning for higher densities,including the indentification ofpotential TODs;

• review land and infrastructureavailability in Regional ActivityCentres to ensure they perform theirintended function;

• prioritise strategies to accommodatethe relevant local government areapopulation target and achieve infilltargets;

• identify greenfield areas for structureplanning;

• investigate the projected housingneeds, and the diversity andaffordability of housing typesrequired for the future community;and

• identify planning schemeamendments required to meet thegoals of the Local GrowthManagement Strategy.

The success of TODs will depend on anumber of factors including:

• market forces;• timing/economics;• strategic location;• infrastructure provision; and• land-use policy support.

will also identify potential TOD sites andprotect them from inappropriate formsof development that might compromisefuture development or redevelopmentpotential.

Potential TOD sites include key publictransport nodes in the areas identified inMap 9.

Greenfield developmentUndeveloped land suitable for urbandevelopment is a finite resource. Toensure that greenfield sites contribute tosustainable growth and are developedefficiently, all major new residentialdevelopment areas are required to havean approved Structure Plan prior todevelopment.

Structure Plans will ensure that newgreenfield development:

• is an acceptable area for urbandevelopment;

• will achieve a minimum net density of15 dwellings per hectare;

• provides a mix of lot sizes anddwelling types;

• has the capacity to be serviced byphysical and social infrastructure;

• occurs in the appropriate sequence;

• links with the surrounding area;

• responds to development constraints;and

• provides local job opportunities.

Structure Plans will be prepared andadopted for major new developmentareas, which may include more than onedevelopment site. Structure Plans willrespect all significant environmentalconstraints and maintain open space andlandscaped buffers to major developmentcorridors. Structure Plans are to beprepared for the entire area and notleave isolated pockets of land withoutstructure planning guidance.


Inter-regional impactsThe SEQ region does not exist in isolationand has a very close nexus tosurrounding areas. These areas includeCooloola (north), the Eastern Downsaround Toowoomba (west), Warwick(south-west) and the Tweed Shire in NewSouth Wales (south).

A number of these areas are experiencingsimilar growth pressures to areas insidethe SEQ region. In some cases, such asthe eastern downs and Tweed Shire, thegrowth pressures are heavily influencedby growth activity within the SEQ region,specifically Toowoomba and the GoldCoast.

The Regional Plan cannot directlyinfluence the planning regimes in theseareas. However, it is important thatpotential cross-regional developmentissues be considered in a broaderplanning context and that mechanismsbe put in place to address these issues.

Rural residentialdevelopmentThe rural residential form of urbandevelopment is characterised by largelots of between 2,000m2 to five hectaresin a rural or semi-rural setting.Allotments are generally connected to apower supply but are not normallysewered, and in some cases, not providedwith reticulated water.

Although rural residential developmentprovides housing choice, it can constrainfuture urban growth and the efficientprovision of services and infrastructure.A significant proportion of newdevelopment in the region’s rural andsemi-rural area is rural residential.

The Regional Plan aims to reduce theamount of committed rural residentialland, and to also allow appropriateconsolidation of existing areas of ruralresidential developments by:

• halting further zoning of land forrural residential development;

• containing future rural residentialdevelopment to areas within theUrban Footprint and the Rural LivingArea; and

• investigating options to consolidateor convert to appropriate urban ruralresidential areas within the UrbanFootprint and Investigation Areas.

Tweed ShireThe Tweed Shire is located in northern New South Wales, adjacent to Gold Coast City and isa member of SouthROC. The Shire has a close working and community relationship withthe Gold Coast, with the Tweed Heads to Pottsville coastal corridor effectively forming anextension of the greater Gold Coast urban area.

The population of the Tweed Shire in 2003 was around 78,000. Under the Tweed 04/24Draft Strategic Plan, this is expected to increase to around 120,000 by 2024. The majorityof this growth is likely to take place in the northern and coastal areas of the Shire, closestto Gold Coast City.

The Tweed Shire is facing many of the same growth management issues as SEQ - rapidpopulation growth, high tourism visitations and development pressures on natural areas,the coastal zone and agricultural lands.

The proposed completion of the Pacific Motorway at Tugun will significantly improve traveltimes between SEQ and the Tweed Shire, which could increase urban and tourismdevelopment pressure in the Shire.


Principles for a sub-tropical environmentDesign for SEQ should be informed by and responsive to the subtropical nature of ourenvironment, in order for it to be appropriate and sustainable. The following broadprinciples can be applied by local government planning schemes to guide developments:

• Recognise subregions - The diversity of climatic, landscape, cultural, and habitatsubregions of SEQ should be recognised and reflected in the application of designprinciples

• Respect topography - Protect the integrity and character of the hills, mountains andridgelines that are important in framing and defining our subtropical environment

• A diverse built environment - Incorporate a diversity of building densities, heights, type,and scale into new developments

• Local character and design - Recognise the contribution of contemporary design to thecharacter and diversity of our subtropical environment

• Integration with nature and orientation - Design for appropriate climate-basedorientation and allow for the penetration of breeze, sunlight and the naturalenvironment

• Informality - Recognise the informal relationship between the natural, built and ruralenvironments

• Tree planting - Use extensive native tree planting and large shade trees to flourish inprivate and public space

• Transport through nature - Incorporate significant local vegetation in transportcorridors

• Diversity of open space - Open spaces should be diverse, integrated and designed toform networks

• Access to open space - The proximity of nature in subtropical environments and ouroutdoor-based lifestyle should be reflected in the access to open space

• Design for water - Subtropical design should reflect the importance and presence ofwater and provide for public access to any natural or artificial waterways

• Outdoor centres - Outdoor dining, entertainment, recreation, sheltered access to publictransport and shaded pedestrian pathways are the attributes of informality and village-like character

• Outdoor meeting places - Incorporate outdoor meeting places into design forsubtropical areas.

Urban form 41

Design for SEQ should be informed by andresponsive to thesubtropical nature of our environment, in orderfor it to be appropriateand sustainable.


Strong communities

Desired regional outcome 3:

Cohesive, inclusive and healthy communities with a strong sense of identity and place –with access to a full range of services and facilities and appropriate housing to meetdiverse needs.

Communities in SEQ are continuallychanging: community needs, the ageingof the population, multicultural identityand changing lifestyle choices all affectthe provision of community services andhousing needs. Some people in SEQ facesocial, cultural, and locationdisadvantages. Many live in urban fringelocations, rural areas and some suburbswhere services may be limited.

Increasing population density and thecontinuing gentrification of inner suburbscreates opportunities for some sections ofthe community, but disadvantages andlimits the choices of others.

Improving the quality and safety of thebuilt environment through excellent urbandesign, strengthening Activity Centres,providing safe streets and ensuring thathousing meets community needs will allbe important to retain and improveopportunities and choices in SEQ.


Principle 3.1 – A sense of place and identity

Urban growth and development will bemanaged in order to develop, maintainand enhance a sense of community, placeand local identity throughout the region.

Strategies

S3.1 – Reinforce local identity throughimprovement strategies for ActivityCentres and rural towns and StructurePlans for greenfield developments andinfill areas.

S3.2 – Coordinate community capacitybuilding programs to support planningfor greenfield developments andredevelopment projects.

Principle 3.2 – Cultural heritage anddevelopment

The region’s unique cultural heritage,including historic places, contribute to asense of place and will be protected; andcultural development opportunities willbe promoted.

Strategies

S3.3 – Identify, protect and manageregionally significant heritage andcultural sites.

S3.4 – Support community arts andcultural development across the region.

Principle 3.3 – Safe and healthy communities

Well-designed, safe and healthy localenvironments to encourage activecommunity participation; inclusive,engaged communities; and healthylifestyle choices.

Strategies

S3.5 – Use urban design principles, localtransport investment, social planningguidelines, community engagement andsocial assessment to improve the healthand safety of the community.

S3.6 – Create safe urban and ruralenvironments by providing appropriatesocial infrastructure and services andinvolving local communities in planningactivities.

Principle 3.4 – Affordable housing

All communities will have access toappropriate and affordable housing; welllocated in relation to services, open spaceand employment; and responsive to theneeds of existing and future residents.

Strategies

S3.7 – Increase the supply of affordablehousing throughout the region byensuring all new residential and mixeduse developments include a mix ofhousing type, tenure and form and byencouraging a competitive developmentindustry.

S3.8 – Review institutionalarrangements for the improved provisionof affordable housing, including supportfor not-for-profit entities and housingco-operatives.

S3.9 – Review options to encouragedevelopment and building markets toprovide appropriate housing for the entrybuyer and low-income group housingmarkets.

Principle 3.5 – Access to services

Maximise access for all residents toappropriate community services andfacilities in the region.

Strategies

S3.10 – Provide affordable andaccessible social infrastructure that iswell located in relation to transport,residential areas and employmentopportunities.

S3.11 – Provide suitable transport andother infrastructure to increase access tocommunity services and employment.

Strong communities 43


Support community artsand cultural developmentacross the region.

Principle 3.6 – Addressing disadvantage

Address issues of multiple disadvantagein all communities.

Strategies

S3.12 – Incorporate initiatives in theplanning and development of new urbanareas to avoid creating new areas ofdisadvantage.

S3.13 – Coordinate funding programs,and new models of collaborationbetween agencies and the community tofocus on areas of disadvantage.

S3.14 – Integrate greenfield andredevelopment communities withexisting communities.

Principle 3.7 – Support rural communities

Rural communities will be assisted toleverage greater benefits from futuregrowth and participate in thedevelopment of the region.

Strategies

S3.15 – Assist rural communities toidentify strategies for development andgrowth, to capitalise on their naturalattributes, resources and aspirations forthe future.

S3.16 – Identify and support innovativeways of providing or maintaining desiredlevels of social infrastructure services tosmall rural towns and villages.

Principle 3.8 – Social planning

Ensure that the social effects of growthand change on the local community aremonitored and planned for.

Strategies

S3.17 – Use demographic and socio-economic information to increaseunderstanding of the importance ofgrowth and change on the communityand to improve social infrastructure andservice planning.

S3.18 – Engage local communitieseffectively in local and regional planningprocesses.

Community capacity building

Community capacity describes the set ofskills, relationships and networks thatcollectively exist in a community. Thesecapacities provide social support,especially when people need assistance.The more capacity a communitypossesses, the more likely it is to be ableto influence decisions and processes forchange.

In some communities, the capacity islacking for members to become involvedin planning, to create community eventsand to build relationships andconnections with each other and withother communities. This is especially thecase in newly developed communities.

Community capacity building candevelop social capital and help to createa strong sense of identity and belongingin a community.

Affordable housing

The supply of affordable housingthroughout the region will be influencedby:

• ensuring there are adequate suppliesof land for urban development;

• implementing more flexible land usepolicies to provide for a range ofhousing type and tenure;

• supporting the development of newarrangements for affordable housingsuch as not-for-profit housingcompanies;

• requiring major new developmentsand redevelopments to incorporateaffordable housing;

• making affordable housing a priorityin the disposal or redevelopment ofgovernment property; and

• ensuring local governments consideraffordable housing provision andretention as key elements in LocalGrowth Management Strategies.


Rural communities

Rural towns and villages generally haveless access to social infrastructure anddiverse employment opportunities thentheir city counterparts. This is oftencompounded by long travel distances toregional centres and a lack of publictransport services.

The Regional Plan will provide benefitsfor rural areas such as:

• a reduction in land use conflicts;

• the protection of productivefarmland;

• the development of residentialvillages, leading to more efficient andbetter provision of services; and

• a more solid planning scheme forintensive agricultural development.

The Regional Plan also providesopportunities for rural centres to grow within existing boundaries oradjoining areas.

However, a more pro-active approachmay be required in some areas to addresstrends and develop a more sustainablecommunity. Local governments will beassisted to identify suitable projects andencouraged to form partnerships withappropriate State agencies that provideinfrastructure and services to the area.These activities could be coordinatedthrough community revitalising strategiesor local economic development strategies.

Key initiatives include:

• coordinated assistance for ruralcommunities in SEQ to respond tochanging rural industries andeconomic circumstances;

• improved community capacity tocontribute to the development of landuse and infrastructure plans, andother regional engagement processes;

• the opportunity for rural communitiesand industry leaders to explorealternative strategies for economicdevelopment and growth, in keepingwith their natural attributes,resources and aspirations for thefuture; and

• assistance for community, economicor industry development events,activities or partnerships.

Strong communities 45


Local governments willbe assisted to identifysuitable projects andencouraged to formpartnerships withappropriate Stateagencies that provideinfrastructure andservices to the area.


A diverse economy

SEQ is the main economic engine forQueensland. In recent years the economyof the region has been growing fasterthan the Australian average, drivenmainly by consumption associated withhigh population growth.

The regional economy is nothomogenous, but it is overwhelmingly aservices economy. To sustain this rate ofgrowth requires that we strengthen anddiversify the region’s economy to raiseproductivity and the region’s standard of living.

There are variations in unemploymentand economic activity between areaswithin the region. Accordingly, theregion’s capacity to create jobs tosupport the regional population and thefuture pattern of urban and regional

Desired regional outcome 4:A strong, resilient and diversified economy - growing prosperity in the region by utilising itscompetitive advantages to deliver exports, investment and sustainable and accessible jobs.

development will require specific sub-regional strategies and initiatives.These focus attention on:

• training and skills development as acritical factor to raise productivity;

• the development of a more outward-looking, entrepreneurial culture;

• increased integration into the globaleconomy;

• preservation of the region’s naturaladvantages; and

• continuing diversification of theregion’s economic base.

The economic development initiativesreflected in the Regional Plan areunderpinned by the QueenslandGovernment’s Smart State Strategy,which promotes the use of knowledge,creativity and innovation to driveeconomic growth and to increaseprosperity for a better quality of life.


Principle 4.1 – A diverse, knowledge-basedeconomy

Support a diversified regional economycharacterised by knowledge-based, highvalue-added industries and building onexisting regional and sub-regionalcompetitive advantages andspecialisations.

Strategies

S4.1 – Develop and implement sub-regional Economic DevelopmentStrategies to deliver high value-addedjobs and build knowledge-basedindustries including advancedmanufacturing, aviation, biotechnology,professional/business services,information and communicationstechnology (ICT), food and agribusiness,tourism, marine, mining technologies andpharmaceuticals.

S4.2 – Develop specific strategies,including industry clusters andpartnerships, to target industries relevantto the region’s competitive advantagesand market opportunities.

S4.3 – Strengthen the viability of ruralindustries by increasing adaptability,productivity and access to markets.

S4.4 – Identify and implement economicdevelopment projects and programs tosupport the Urban Footprint, in particularthe Western Corridor EconomicDevelopment Strategy.

Principle 4.2 – Land and infrastructure foreconomic development

Identify, provide and protect land andinfrastructure required for the region’sfuture economic development.

Strategies

S4.5 – Identify and designate suitablesites for development of future economicactivity, such as high-impact industryand logistics, and protect these fromencroachment by incompatible uses.

S4.6 – Identify and protect existing andfuture economic infrastructure sites andcorridors from encroachment byincompatible uses.

S4.7 – Maintain and enhance existingtransport, power, water and ICTinfrastructure, and invest in newinfrastructure to support economicactivities in a timely and cost-effectivemanner.

S4.8 – Integrate land use and transportplanning and manage constraints tomaintain and enhance the region’sstrategic freight network through theWestern Corridor to the AustraliaTradeCoast (ATC), as well as other majorlinkages to domestic markets.

Principle 4.3 – Raising productivity

Strengthen the region’s position as adeveloped regional economy and gatewayto the Asia-Pacific by increasinginvestment attractiveness, building exportcapability and lowering business costs.

Strategies

S4.9 – Utilise the State Government’ssectoral development, investmentattraction and Export Solutions programsto raise business competitiveness andlink domestically focused firms intoexport supply chains.

S4.10 – Encourage and facilitate privatesector investment and reinvestment ofcapital in the region.

S4.11 – Continue regulatory reform toreduce impediments to business growthin the region.

Principle 4.4 – Accessible employment

Provide a diversity of employmentopportunities and accessible jobs,supported by appropriate infrastructureand services.

Strategies

S4.12 – Incorporate the provision ofemployment opportunities in theplanning and development of all majornew urban development areas.

S4.13 – Support employmentopportunities in close proximity totransport services and at RegionalActivity Centres, including the CBD, by designating appropriate land andfacilitating supporting physical and socialinfrastructure.

A diverse economy 47


Identify and protectexisting and futureeconomic infrastructuresites and corridors fromencroachment byincompatible uses.


MAP 10

Economic activity

S4.14 – Identify, promote and supportnew business and industry opportunitiesfor rural centres, based on local strengthsand opportunities.

S4.15 – Support small and home-basedbusinesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, aswell as providers of business andprofessional services including thosewith export potential.

Principle 4.5 – Development ofskills, science and technology

Provide infrastructure and programs tosupport advanced technologies, researchand development, innovation, skilling andentrepreneurship.

Strategies

S4.16 – Research trends in sub-regionallabour markets, skills and educationlevels to inform economic developmentforecasting, strategies and programs.

S4.17 – Facilitate the development of arange of regional education and traininginfrastructure and programs that areaccessible to the community, respond tospecific regional industry needs andsupport skill development of theworkforce.

S.4.18 – Further develop key nodes ofscience, research and development andinnovation.

Economic activityThe main centres and locations ofeconomic activity in the region and theirrelationship to the settlement pattern ofthe region include:

Commercial/general

This type of activity is represented mainlyin the Brisbane CBD and other RegionalActivity Centres. High rates of growth inthe retail, construction, health andpersonal services sectors have beendriven by population increases. There hasbeen consequential rapid growth in theproperty and business services sector,which typically locates close to thecommercial activity it supports. It isanticipated that higher population andbusiness densities resulting from urbanconsolidation will drive greater businessactivity and efficiency.

As well as acting as a business ‘enabler’,the professional services sector is alsoitself a significant employer and has stilluntapped export potential. Many businessservice firms start as home-basedenterprises, subject to town planningregulations and the availability of high-speed communications such asbroadband.

Rural production areas

The rural production areas of SEQ include beef cattle grazing, cropping,horticulture, animal industries, plantationforestry, fisheries and aquaculture. Themain cropping areas are the Brisbane,Lockyer, Fassifern, and Albert-Loganvalleys, and the coastal areas aroundRocky Point, Redlands, GlasshouseMountains and the Sunshine Coasthinterland. The location of ruralproduction activities is heavily influencedby access to resources such as land,water and infrastructure, and markets.

Knowledge hubs

The Brisbane CBD and Frame is home toglobally recognised knowledge clusterssuch as Herston (medical research) andKelvin Grove (creative industries, health).The ICT sector is developing in Milton andFortitude Valley, with governmentrepresentation in the iLab incubator(Toowong) and Information IndustriesBoard (Milton). Substantial activity is alsocentred around the University ofQueensland at St Lucia with a range ofresearch facilities, including the Institutefor Molecular Bioscience and a naturalresources/environmental cluster nearbyat Indooroopilly Longpocket.



Research trends in sub-regional labourmarkets, skills andeducation levels to informeconomic developmentforecasting, strategies and programs.

A similar concentration is located southof the city, with Griffith University atNathan, the nearby Mt Gravatt ResearchPark and Brisbane Technology Park atEight Mile Plains. Emerging clusters areapparent at the Sunshine Coast, based onthe University of the Sunshine Coast andat the Gold Coast with the GriffithUniversity campus and the proposedKnowledge Precinct. The Gold Coast isalso home to a thriving ICT industry andenterprises associated with leisure andentertainment.

Elsewhere in the region, there arespecialist centres of research anddevelopment at sites such as Pullenvale(minerals and energy), Coopers Plains(pathology, biosecurity) and Cooroy(timber). The ongoing development ofUniversity of Queensland campuses atIpswich and Gatton will be a key factor indiversifying that area’s economic activity,as well as increasing access to educationand training in the Western Corridor.

Urban redevelopment areas, particularlyknowledge precincts such as BoggoRoad/Dutton Park, provide theopportunity for mixed-use development,incorporating high value-added research,development and service industries andlinkages to university research facilities.Such developments have the potential toencourage industry clusters, which canbe located either in close proximity ormore distant, but connected by high-speed broadband.

Industrial

High impact industries often requirespecific site conditions to operate. Theseinclude good access to transport, powerand water for heavy industries, plus aseparation or buffering of industries suchas meat processing. Identifying, protectingand developing appropriate sites forindustrial use will be essential for theregion’s economic development.

The Western Corridor is a key area forindustrial development, with significantsites such as the intermodal freightterminals at Acacia Ridge, Rocklea, Wacoland Swanbank along with Parkinson,Larapinta and Carole Park. To the north,key areas include Brendale, Cabooltureand Yandina.

Future industrial development areas formanufacturing and similar activities havebeen identified at Bremer, Willowbank andPurga (west), Park Ridge (south) andCaloundra (north).

Significant opportunities will arise fromthe planned upgrading of activities atAmberley Air Force Base, by co-locatingadvanced manufacturing and associatedknowledge intensive industries thatsupport both defence and civilianaviation/aerospace activities. Thedevelopment of Amberley will also spursubstantial growth in consumption-relatedemployment in and around Ipswich.

Logistics

The need for significant tracts of land forfuture logistics operations can also be metin the Western Corridor, particularly theopportunity for a multi-model inland portat Ebenezer. There are opportunities toprovide sites for logistics operations tosupport the emerging half millionpopulation in the Sunshine Coast, providedadditional industrial land can be identified.

Tourism

SEQ is one of Australia’s majordestinations for domestic andinternational visitors. Tourism is asignificant revenue-earner and employerfor the region. There are visitorattractions in the urban areas, coastalareas, hinterlands and rural areas,ranging from theme parks to NationalParks and wilderness areas. However,people seeking beach, marine and bushexperiences constitute the major users.

There are opportunities to grow theregional tourism sector throughdevelopment of more nature-basedtourism, conventions and conferencesand building on the artificial attractionsto broaden the opportunities for visitors.Transport connections with adequatecapacity to move expected numbers ofpatrons and event visitors and developingvibrant Activity Centres and the CBD areimportant for the continued developmentof the industry. Protection of the naturalattractions and character of the region isalso important to the sustainability of theindustry in the region.


Boggo Road

The Boggo Road Precinct is planned asan inner-urban Knowledge-BasedResearch and Business Precinct, withmixed research, residential andcommercial uses. The inner city locationoffers the opportunity to develop highquality research and technology facilities.

The Precinct has the potential to havetransport and ICT linkages to theUniversity of Queensland.

The Western Corridor Economic Development Strategy

The Western Corridor Economic Development Strategy, centred on Ipswich City, hasidentified industries including food and manufacturing, aerospace and education aspotential generators of sustainable future employment and economic growth in this area.

Specific elements of the strategy include:

• The planned redeployment of Australian Defence Force personnel to Amberley Air ForceBase creates the opportunity for continued growth through development of the AmberleyAerospace Park as a key node in the aviation cluster now developing in SEQ.

• The Ipswich campus of the University of Queensland, with its focus on arts, business,nursing, technology, culture and heritage complements a city known for itscommitment to technological innovation such as iTel, a leading community-basedInternet services provider. The Ipswich and Gatton campuses will be the centres ofgrowth for a number of the University’s key undergraduate programs, particularly inagribusiness and business.

• Developing a continuing supply of industrial land in the Western Corridor will providefor high impact industries and those requiring substantial space such as logistics,metals and paper processing.

Other industries

Other identified priority industries in theregion include biotechnology,pharmaceuticals, food, agribusiness andmining technology. Many companies inthese industries, being high technologyin nature, depend on close relationshipswith nodes of research and developmentlocated around the region. For example,Toowoomba is already home to growingcapability for innovation in agribusiness,natural resource management,construction and engineering.



The Australia TradeCoastdemonstrates Brisbane’srole as the State’s exportgateway to the world.

Existing programs

There is a wide range of programs to support economic development in the region and theintent of the Regional Plan is to ensure that these programs are used and tailored to bestsupport development of the region.

Key business support programs include grants-based schemes such as the Smart StateResearch Facilities Fund, the Queensland Investment Incentive Scheme and the multifacetedTargeted Industry Development Scheme.

Making Queensland’s Future - A Manufacturing Development Plan sets out the agenda forcontinuing development of this important sector.

The State’s trade strategy, Export Solutions, is aimed at expanding and diversifyingQueensland’s export base and fostering more knowledge-intensive exports.

Tailored programs such as the Innovation Start-Up Scheme, teQstart and the QueenslandCapital Raising Pipeline, target start-up companies, particularly in emerging industrysectors. Various types of support for small business is available through the Smart SmallBusiness Strategy.

There are a number of key training programs supporting economic development of theregion including Skilling Solutions Queensland, Recognition of Prior Learning, IndustryTraining Partnerships, Smart Skills Program - including cadetships and acceleratedapprenticeships, and Skills Formation Strategies.

Sub-regional employment

In order to improve the relationship between residential and employment locations,consideration must be given to providing a mixed range of employment throughout the region. In particular, opportunities need to be identified to improve employment self-containment on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and the Western Corridor in order to reduce the need to commute to the Greater Brisbane area for employment.

The Australia TradeCoast (ATC)

The ATC, including Brisbane Airport andthe Port of Brisbane, is SEQ’s mainindustrial and logistics hub and is acritical driver of economic growth in theregion as well as a significant generatorof employment. The ATC demonstratesBrisbane’s role as the State’s exportgateway to the world. The area has thepotential to develop as a major industrialand logistics hub on a national andinternational scale.

The identification of a Strategic FreightNetwork connecting the ATC, majormanufacturing and multi-model logisticsareas in the region, and interstatetransport corridors is important tomaintaining and developing the strategicadvantages of the area within the Stateand national economies.

The quality of life for people living in SEQrelies on a transport system that links thewider community with services andemployment.

An effective, integrated transportnetwork of roads, railways, ports andairports supports the competitiveness ofindustry and business. Transport alsohelps shape the region by providing thestructure that supports land use patterns.

Public transport provides access for thewhole community, including those whodo not have cars or who cannot drive.Walking and cycling networks provideflexibility as well as significant healthand environmental benefits.

Transport also has negative impacts, suchas greenhouse gas emissions, air andnoise pollution, accidents and congestionand these issues must be managedeffectively. The use of cars in SEQ isgrowing faster than the population: weown more cars, we use them more, andwe drive them further. Private cars willcontinue to be used into the future forthe majority of trips in SEQ but we mustmake the alternatives – walking, cyclingand public transport – more viable andattractive.

Integrated transport planning recognisesthe complementary roles that roads,public transport, cycling, walking andland use play in a sustainable transportsystem. The region is well positioned tomove forward in an integrated way. Thefoundations for a strong busway networkin Brisbane are in place and TransLink isdelivering an integrated public transportsystem to increase bus, ferry and trainuse. Planned investment in publictransport infrastructure and services willmake public transport a more attractivechoice. At the same time, new roads, andimprovements to existing roads, arebeing planned to address the mostcongested parts of the network and toensure effective regional connections.

The Regional Plan builds on thesefoundations to deliver improvedtransport and land use in SEQ includingan increased emphasis on publictransport, walking and cycling.


Integrated transport

Desired regional outcome 5:A connected and accessible region – based on an integrated transport system that supportscompact urban growth and efficient travel; connects people, places, goods and services;and promotes public transport use, walking and cycling.


Principle 5.1 – Integration

Integrate transport and land use tosupport a compact pattern of urbandevelopment and promote the self-containment of travel in sub-regions.

Strategies

S5.1 – Review the SEQ IntegratedRegional Transport Plan to incorporatethe outcomes of the Regional Plan.

S5.2 – Strengthen partnerships betweenall levels of government to coordinatetransport planning and to deliver moresustainable regional and local transportsystems.

S5.3 – Support TODs and RegionalActivity Centres with priority publictransport networks and services.

S5.4 – Ensure planning and developmentof urban areas support walking, cyclingand public transport as per the ShapingUp Guidelines.

S5.5 – Develop a priority publictransport network and services thatsupport a compact urban form.

Principle 5.2 – Connecting people, places and activities

Strengthen the regional transport systemto improve accessibility.

Strategies

S5.6 – Strengthen the delivery ofregional transport infrastructure andservices by aligning transport plans andimplementation programs at the regionaland local level.

S5.7 – Improve the efficiency of existingtransport interchanges and develop newinterchanges at key locations to improvepassenger and freight connections.

S5.8 – Develop strategic regional roadand freight network plans.

Principle 5.3 – Sustainable travel andequitable access

Improve sustainable travel choices tosupport the accessibility needs of allmembers of the community.

Strategies

S5.9 – Promote and support walking,cycling and public transport with newinfrastructure, improved services andcommunity education.

S5.10 – Improve travel choices,particularly for people who aredisadvantaged in their access to transport.

S5.11 – Provide high-quality local publictransport services linked to regional andsub-regional services.

S5.12 – Influence travel behaviour byworking with local communities andbusinesses to increase awareness oftravel options and support sustainabletravel choices.

S5.13 – Develop a regional approach tomanage parking, particularly in RegionalActivity Centres and the Brisbane CBD, tosupport sustainable travel and RegionalActivity Centre functions.

Principle 5.4 – Effective investment

Ensure transport investment producesthe maximum benefit to the community.

Strategies

S5.14 – Invest in transportinfrastructure, services andcomplementary measures to support thepreferred sequence and form ofdevelopment.

S5.15 – Prioritise and implement policiesand investments to maximise the benefitand use of existing transport assets andservices.

S5.16 – Prioritise investment in publictransport infrastructure and services tolead and support land use development.

S5.17 – Use the best mix of measuresincluding demand management,infrastructure, services, regulation,information, education, marketing andnon-transport solutions to providecompetitive travel choices.

Integrated transport 53


Ensure planning anddevelopment of urbanareas support walking,cycling and publictransport.


MAP 11

Transport infrastructure – SEQ

Principle 5.5 – An efficient transport system

Develop and manage the transportsystem to enhance efficient travel andeffective operation of the system in thelong term.

Strategies

S5.18 – Identify and protect key existingand future transport sites and corridors.

S5.19 – Develop and implementmanagement plans for regional transportsites and corridors.

S5.20 – Enhance transport networks toimprove connectivity and provide ahierarchy of alternative routes.

S5.21 – Strengthen partnerships withindustry, State and local governments tomanage regional freight corridors andimprove freight efficiency.

S5.22 – Develop consistent andcoordinated systems for managing roadnetwork operations in SEQ.

Public transportPublic transport, including buses, ferriesand trains is a key component indelivering the outcomes in the regionalplan. It enables compact urban patternsof development and connects centresacross the region, provides connectionsin cohesive communities, supportseconomic growth, helps people with fewother transport options and reducesenvironmental impacts. The ability toaccess a public transport system thateasily connects people with goods,services and each other is an essentialelement of quality of life in SEQ.

• Compact urban form – Publictransport supports increased urbandensities, especially around transitnodes. Quality public transportservices, particularly on rail orbusways, allows large numbers ofpeople to move efficiently along keycorridors. This is very important atpeak times when road capacity forcars is stretched.

• Connections in cohesivecommunities – Public transport helpsto connect people with the servicesand facilities in the region. It providesaccess to community services andemployment.

• Support economic growth –Thousands of workers use publictransport to and from their place ofwork. A similar number of studentsuse and often rely on public transportto access education.

The non-productive work time andpersonal stress experienced bycommuting workers delayed in trafficcongestion has an adverse impact onour economy. A reliable publictransport system reduces commutertravel times, the associated stress andlost productive work time.

Tourism is a significant contributor tothe region’s economy. Ease of accessto our public transport services helpsto make the region an attractivetourist destination.

• Access – Public transport providesaccess for people who have few otheroptions for travel. Many people, for arange of reasons, are unable to useprivate cars. Public transport ensuresthey are able to get to work,education and to the range of servicesand facilities they need.

• Reduce environmental impacts –Air quality in SEQ has been linkedwith motor vehicle emissions. Betteruse of public transport contributes tofewer motor vehicles on the road,helping to improve the quality of ourair and reduce greenhouse gasemissions.



48

FIGURE 5Public transport patronage (1999 to 2003)

Citytrain Brisbane Transport

Passengers (million)

46

44

42

40

38

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Source: Queensland Transport

National, State and inter-regional linkagesThe region has several importantNational and inter-regional transportlinkages that must be protected andallowed to develop. These include:

• The port and associated land-basedfacilities at the Port of Brisbane,providing freight, passenger and cruiseboat facilities. The Port of BrisbaneCorporation has medium and long-termstrategies in place for the continueddevelopment of these facilities.

• The airport facilities and air servicesat Brisbane, Coolangatta andSunshine Coast Airports. The airportsdevelop and implement Master Plans,which are 20-year developmentstrategies.

• Rail linkages to other parts ofQueensland and the standard gaugeline to Sydney and Melbourne.

• The National and State highwaynetwork, connecting the region withother states and other regions ofQueensland.

Transport infrastructure tosupport the Regional PlanThis section identifies the major elementsof the transport system likely to requiredevelopment within the timeframe of thisRegional Plan. These transport elementsare shown in Maps 11, 12 and 13.

Western transport links

The road and rail links from Ipswich westto Toowoomba are a key component inthe region’s freight network. These linksprovide access to agricultural areas onthe Eastern Downs as well as providingaccess to the inland freight routes toCentral Queensland and north-west New South Wales.

In this area, there is a need to protectand enhance the functionality of themain freight links. The second rangecrossing for Toowoomba and the Gowrieto Grandchester rail line upgrade areimportant in this context as they are thekey pieces of regional infrastructurerequired in this area.


MAP 12

Transport infrastructure – Sunshine and Gold Coasts

Sunshine CoastThe focus on the Sunshine Coast will beto continue to develop, protect andmanage the transport function of themajor north-south road spines and theeast-west grid road network. Indeveloping areas, road networks requireplanning to take account of regional aswell as local needs.

For public transport, a north-south spinewithin the Caboolture to MaroochydoreCorridor Study (CAMCOS) corridor andinitially servicing the Sunshine Coast, willsupport self-containment of travel andmore compact urban growth. Improvedpublic transport links between the coastand hinterland are also needed. Thecontinued upgrade of the north coast railline will serve the dual purpose ofimproving passenger and freight services.

Traffic congestion in peak tourism periodsis a major problem in popular tourist andrecreational areas such as Coolum,Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa. Theuse of innovative transport solutions,such as park-and-ride facilities, local busservices, parking controls and accessiblewalking and cycling facilities areoffsetting the need for major roadimprovements and maintaining theamenity of these areas in the face of hightravel demand. The Regional Plansupports this management of travelbehaviour approach.

Transport infrastructure actions to supportthe Sunshine Coast corridor include:

• Implement Stage 1 of the CAMCOSCorridor between Caloundra andMaroochydore to provide a dedicatedintra-regional public transport spine.This could start as bus priority and beused for rail when potential capacitywarrants

• Preserve the corridor to allow theextension of CAMCOS to Beerwah,with provision for a freight servicefrom Beerwah to Bells Creek whenrequired

• Investigate corridors for extendingCAMCOS to Noosa and Nambour

• Upgrade the passenger rail linebetween Caboolture and Landsboroughand ultimately to Nambour

• Improve east-west connectionsbetween the coast and hinterland toprovide better road and busconnections, including bus priority

• Upgrade and extend the SunshineMotorway to support its function asthe key intra-regional link

• Improve connectivity in the local roadnetwork to cater for local trips thatwould otherwise use the SunshineMotorway

• Progressively upgrade the BruceHighway to support its role for inter-regional travel and as part of theNational Highway system.

Gold CoastThe Gold Coast corridor is undergoingsignificant population growth anddevelopment. The key challenge for thetransport system is to concurrentlyimprove internal transport movementsand inter-regional linkages to Brisbaneand northern New South Wales.

A dedicated public transport spine linkingthe key centres within the coastal area isrequired to support compact urbangrowth, as are improved east-west links toprovide better road and public transportconnections between the coast andhinterland. A priority is to protect andenhance the regional road network andplan new roads in developing areas to takeaccount of regional as well as local traffic.

The Brisbane to Gold Coast rail link is asignificant component of the sub-regionaltransport system and has further potentialto reduce the demand for car travel on keyregional roads. High patronage fromresidents and visitors means that thesystem is rapidly approaching its currentservice capacity. Upgrading of the railnetwork, including staged duplication ofthe track, development of new stationsand extension of the line south of Robina,are priorities.




MAP 13

Transport infrastructure – Greater Brisbane and the Western Corridor

Transport infrastructure actions tosupport the Gold Coast corridor include:

• Plan a priority bus and highoccupancy vehicle lane network forthe Gold Coast

• Implement a priority public transportcorridor from Griffith University toSouthport and Broadbeach andprogressively extend the corridor toCoolangatta and Parkwood, linking itto the Brisbane to Gold Coast rail line

• Upgrade the existing Brisbane to GoldCoast rail line, including increasingcapacity and making provision foradditional rail stations

• Extend the Brisbane to Gold Coast railline to Coolangatta/Gold Coast airport

• Plan and implement bus prioritycorridors from Nerang to Southportand Nerang to Broadbeach

• Improve east-west connectionsbetween the coast and hinterland toprovide better road and busconnections on Smith Street, Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Reedy Creek Roadand Southport-Nerang Road

• Upgrade the Pacific Motorway southof Nerang, including the TugunBypass

• Improve connectivity in the localarterial road network to cater for localtrips that would otherwise use thePacific Motorway. This includespreservation of an intra-regionalcorridor between Stapylton andNerang and extension of the roadnetwork into Coomera.

Greater Brisbane and theWestern CorridorWithin Greater Brisbane, the ability toimprove surface transport connectivity islimited due to the presence of theBrisbane River and existing urbandevelopment. To maintain the vibrancyand amenity of the inner city and toenhance the SEQ economy, significantstrategic transport initiatives arerequired.

The Regional Plan recommends supportfor significant population andemployment growth in the WesternCorridor. New and enhancedinfrastructure and services will be neededto support sub-regional self-containmentin this area and compact urbandevelopment. Early provision of publictransport networks and services willencourage adoption of this moresustainable mode of travel.

Priority will be given to planningtransport networks in the WesternCorridor to allow for local needs, and to also take into account regionalrequirements. In particular, a multi-userinfrastructure corridor that allows forroad, standard/dual gauge rail and otherinfrastructure connections between thenew industrial areas south of Ipswichand the industrial areas at Yatala, pickingup the interstate rail line and the PacificMotorway may be required.

Managing traffic within Brisbane requiresquality orbital road systems. Orbitalroutes provide a bypass for throughtraffic away from congested areas. Thiswill free up capacity on radial roads toallow enhanced public transport servicesand support for walking and cyclingopportunities.

For areas outside Brisbane City,protecting the integrity of regional roadconnections and enhancing publictransport systems are key challenges.

A clear priority is to increase and protectfreight capacity, especially on the railnetwork. This will support the importantrole of the ATC in the regional andnational economies. Rail crossingcapacity of the Brisbane River in theinner city is a significant issue.

New public transport corridors will focuson linking Activity Centres and openingup new public transport markets. Keycorridors for improvement include asouth-west corridor, an eastern busway, a northern busway, a Petrie to Redcliffepublic transport corridor and links toSpringfield and Ripley Valley.

Improvements to public transportinfrastructure and services will also assistto with the development of TODsthroughout Greater Brisbane.




Infrastructure actions supporting GreaterBrisbane include:

• Extend the busways network toinclude an eastern and northernbusway and an inner city busway linkunder King George Square

• Investigate high quality public fortransport services for Browns Plainsand the Springfield and Ripley Valleyareas, including a public transportcorridor from Darra to Springfield andSpringfield to Ipswich; from Petrie toRedcliffe and public transportimprovement to the HoughtonHighway

• Investigate passenger use of theinterstate rail corridor to Greenbank

• Extend transit lanes on the PacificMotorway

• Improve rail capacity, including theprovision for a new crossing of theriver for rail in the inner city, as wellas improvements for rail freight atCorinda and Acacia Ridge, and alongthe interstate and Ipswich rail lines

• Implement bus priority measures,interchange upgrades and otherimprovements identified across thenetwork through TransLink

• Construct additional cross-riverwalking and cycling bridges in innerBrisbane to improve connectivity andto reduce the length of these trips

• Improve public transport access to theUniversity of Queensland

• Progressively implement theIntegrated Regional Cycle NetworkPlan

• Complete an orbital road system inBrisbane to complement an overallnetwork of north-south and east-west arterial connections

• Identify opportunities to extend andimprove ferry services

• Investigate optimal solutions forcross-city movements, for example,TransApex

• Upgrade and protect the strategicfunction of inter-regional corridorsand corridors of National significance.Ipswich and Gateway Motorways area priority but the Bruce Highway,Logan, Pacific and Port of BrisbaneMotorways will all need attention

• Upgrade the north coast rail line -Caboolture to Landsborough

• Improve services and capacity onBrisbane to Gold Coast rail line

• Extend road networks to developingareas including the north-southarterial at Mango Hill/North Lakes andin the south-west corridor aroundRipley, Springfield and Ebenezer. Inparticular, extend the CentenaryHighway to Ripley and preserve theWestern Ipswich Bypass

• Implement high quality publictransport routes servicing theSpringfield area, including a publictransport corridor from Darra toSpringfield and Springfield to Ipswich,through the Ripley Valley

• Identify and preserve corridors fornecessary network improvements inwestern Brisbane, includingconsideration of a western bypass anda potential bypass of the IpswichMotorway

• Plan integrated transport networks insub-regional growth areas includingthe areas around Ebenezer, Ripley andNorthern Beaudesert. These shouldinclude corridor investigations forpossible extension of the GatewayMotorway at Drewvale and for a linkbetween Ebenezer and Yatala.

FIGURE 6Journey-to-work mode split

Car passenger 8.54%

Walked/cycled 4.45%

Other 2.67%

Train 5.43%

Bus 4.39%

Ferry 0.35%74.18% Car driver

Source: ABS census data


FreightThe projected growth in the freighttransport task in SEQ, and the planneddevelopment of the ATC, means thatefficient freight movement is a priority.

Key infrastructure to improve freighttransport efficiency in SEQ includes:

• Address the needs of both freight andpassengers on shared, high demandcorridors approaching and withinBrisbane, particularly in the inner cityand through Corinda

• Identify necessary road networkimprovements in western Brisbane

• Ensure adequate inter-regional roadcapacity and identify and preservealternative road network corridorsand local road networks, including theinter regional transport corridor southof Logan River

• Identify and preserve a southerninfrastructure corridor between themajor industrial areas at Ebenezer andYatala, linking to the standard gaugerail line

• Develop a regional freight networkplan involving an investigation offreight interchanges

• Preserve a second range crossing forToowoomba.

The main transport plans and guidelines in SEQ are:

• The Transport Coordination Plan sets the strategic direction for transport in Queensland

• Roads Connecting Queenslanders provides the long-term direction for roads in Queensland

• Main Road’s Road Implementation Program is a five-year rolling program for State roadworks (the first two years is committed)

• TransLink Network Plan will provide for improved public transport facilities and services inSEQ

• The Integrated Regional Transport Plan (ITRP) for SEQ coordinates transport initiatives in theregion. Transport 2007 provides a seven year action plan for the ITRP

• The Brisbane Transport Plan aims to achieve balanced transport solutions for the city

• Other local governments also use Integrated Local Transport Plans and PriorityInfrastructure Plans to guide local transport investment

• The Integrated Regional Cycle Network Plan identifies the desired regional cycling networkin SEQ

• The Integrated Transport Planning Framework is a guide to best-practice transportplanning. Key themes are sustainability, integration and partnerships

• The Shaping Up Guidelines provide best-practice land use ideas and opportunities for localgovernments and land developers.


The projected growth inthe freight transport taskin SEQ, and the planneddevelopment of theAustralia TradeCoast,means that efficientfreight movement is apriority.

Regional infrastructure includes thenetworks, systems, facilities andstructures that support economic, socialand cultural development in the SEQregion. They include transport, water andwastewater, energy, telecommunications,solid waste and community services.

Rapid population growth and low-density urban development has createddifficulties in providing infrastructure inthe right place at the right time. In thefuture it will become increasinglyimportant to deliver infrastructure toregional communities with greatercertainty and in a more timely andcoordinated fashion.

Infrastructure also helps to shape andencourage development. The strategicprovision of new infrastructure and themaintenance of existing assets will becritical to achieve the preferredsettlement pattern. It is intended that,wherever possible, infrastructure will leadmajor development not follow it.

Key challenges will be to maximise theuse of existing infrastructure by

continuing to manage it efficiently,effectively and economically; find betterways to prioritise and coordinate newinfrastructure projects; establish thecorrect balance between funding newinfrastructure and maintaining existingassets; and harness innovative fundingand delivery mechanisms.


Principle 6.1 –Leading regional growth

Use infrastructure to lead and supportdesired regional growth and help create amore compact urban pattern, cohesiveurban and rural communities andregional economic development.

Strategies

S6.1 – Identify and prioritise keyinfrastructure projects to support theRegional Plan, shape the preferredsettlement pattern and provide greatercertainty for development.

S6.2 – Identify areas having access tosurplus infrastructure capacity to assistin identifying infill and redevelopmentopportunities.


Infrastructure and services

Desired regional outcome 6:Regional infrastructure and services are planned, coordinated and delivered in a timelymanner to support existing and future settlement pattern and desired outcomes.

Principle 6.2 – Infrastructure coordination

Coordinate, prioritise and sequenceinfrastructure to support the regionthrough strategic plans, programs,budgets and statutory planning.

Strategies

S6.3 – Prepare and use an annual SEQInfrastructure Plan and Program tocoordinate and prioritise infrastructuredelivery.

S6.4 – Align and coordinate theinfrastructure plans, priorities andbudgets of State agencies with theRegional Plan and the SEQ Infrastructure Plan.

S6.5 – Align local governmentinfrastructure planning, including PriorityInfrastructure Plans and sub-regionalplans, with regional infrastructurepriorities and timelines.

S6.6 – Develop a regional infrastructurecoordination process linking State andlocal governments to include transport,water, energy, telecommunications andcommunity infrastructure.

S6.7 – Develop demographic forecasts and targets for the region and monitor development activity toinform infrastructure planning andservice delivery.

Principle 6.3 – Managing demand

Manage demand and change consumerbehaviour to maximise the use andbenefits of existing infrastructure and tominimise the need for additional projectsand services.

Strategies

S6.8 – Prepare and implement demandmanagement strategies for transport,water and energy infrastructure.

Principle 6.4 – Infrastructure funding

Ensure infrastructure funding addresseswhole-of-life costs of the asset and isequitable in relation to current andfuture beneficiaries and users.

Strategies

S6.9 – Explore all available options tofund future infrastructure, includingextended debt funding, special purposeand hypothecated levies, user charges,private investment, public privatepartnerships, developer contributions anddemand management measures.

S6.10 – Identify the best delivery optionsand funding mechanisms for keyinfrastructure projects with dueconsideration to benefits, public interestsand risk management.

Principle 6.5 – Protecting key sites andcorridors

Key sites and strategic corridors will beidentified, protected and managed untilrequired.

Strategies

S6.11 – Explore all available options toreserve and protect key sites, corridorsand buffer areas for future regionalinfrastructure and services.

Principle 6.6 – Water supply

Assured supplies of water are required tomeet the reasonable needs andexpectations of growth and developmentof the region.

Strategies

S6.12 – Accelerate completion of theSEQ Regional Water Supply Strategy.

S6.13 – Protect drinking watercatchments from inappropriate uses tomaintain water quality.

S6.14 – Identify and protect future sitesfor bulk water infrastructure, includingsurface water storages, desalination andwater recycling.



Develop a regionalinfrastructurecoordination processlinking State and localgovernments to includetransport, water, energy,telecommunications and communityinfrastructure.

Principle 6.7 – Total water cycle management

Acknowledge water as a valuable andfinite regional resource and manage it forthe whole region in the most efficient way.

Strategies

S6.15 – Develop and implement anIntegrated Urban Water Management(IUWM) Strategy for SEQ.

S6.16 – Review policy and financialassistance schemes for whole-of-watercycle infrastructure to ensure investmentin alternative water sources and non-capital demand managementsolutions is more equitable.

S6.17 – Require all water service providersto provide common and consistentinformation on water consumption andwastewater management along withinformation about the success of IUWMinitiatives in accordance with regionalguidelines, as part of regular reportingregimes.

S6.18 – Encourage the use of bestpractice standards for the planning, designand operation of sewerage collection,transport, treatment, disposal and reuse.

S6.19 – Manage development to achieve appropriate flood immunity andminimise downstream effects.

Principle 6.8 – Regional water management

Water resources are planned, managedand coordinated as a regional asset toincrease security of supply and minimiseoverall system costs.

S6.20 – Review the institutionalarrangements for storage, treatment anddelivery of bulk water, includingwastewater, for the whole region toimprove integration of networks, increasethe security of supply and improvesystem efficiency and flexibility.

Principle 6.9 – Energy

Energy supplies will be provided to allnew and infill development areas andviable alternative energy sources such asgas will be encouraged whereappropriate.

S6.21 – Identify and prioritise additionalelectricity transmission lines required tosupport the preferred pattern ofdevelopment.

S6.22 – Identify and prioritisesubstations required for newdevelopment, infill and redevelopmentareas.

S6.23 – Encourage the use of gas as amajor secondary energy source for newdevelopments.

Principle 6.10 –Telecommunications

Affordable access to high-speedbroadband telecommunications will berequired to support the continuedgrowth of the SEQ economy.

S6.24 – Expedite the deployment ofhigh-speed broadbandtelecommunications in SEQ.

Principle 6.11 – Community infrastructure andservices

Planning and coordination of communityinfrastructure and services will provideeffective and timely access to communityfacilities and services in greenfield andinfill growth areas.

Strategies

S6.25 – Establish communityinfrastructure and service needs ingrowth areas in advance of development.

S6.26 – Identify sites for communityservices, including co-locationopportunities as an integral part ofstructure planning for new communities.

S6.27 – Ensure all developments makeadequate provision for essentialcommunity infrastructure in planning,design and development.


SEQ Infrastructure Plan andProgram

The SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Programwill be released mid-2005. It willidentify key infrastructure requirements,implementation strategies, responsibleagencies and delivery timeframes inrelation to SEQ. The Infrastructure Planand Program will coordinate theinfrastructure and services plans andpriorities of State agencies and giveguidance to local governments. The Planand Program will be reviewed annuallyto inform infrastructure planning andthe State Budget processes.

Demand management

Demand management aims to makebetter use of existing infrastructure bymodifying consumer behaviour ratherthan directing limited resources towardsmajor infrastructure upgrades.

Demand management initiatives caninclude a broad range of economic, socialand planning tools, for example:

• educational or incentive measures to bring about voluntary changes toconsumer behaviour;

• the introduction of technology tomake better use of existing resources; and

• restrictive measures designed toincrease cost or increase thecomparative attractiveness of moresustainable alternatives.

Value for money

The Queensland Government uses theValue for Money Framework to assessmajor infrastructure projects. The Framework focuses on:

• service outcomes rather than outputs;

• risk allocation and management;

• whole-of-life costing; and

• opportunities for private sectorinvolvement.


WaterThe region’s water supply comes from avariety of sources, including the Wivenhoeand Somerset Dam system; North Pine,Baroon Pocket and Hinze Dams; andStradbroke Island aquifiers. Based oncurrent demand levels and populationprojections, the region will need additionalwater sources by 2020. This timing could beextended if effective demand managementmeasures, pricing and regulations areintroduced widely across the region.

The options for new sources include newdams, desalination, stormwaterharvesting and wastewater reuse. Acombination of these sources wouldimprove security of supply and minimisethe impact of drought. Given the longlead times to commissioning a newsource, a decision about future watersources is likely to be needed before 2010.

Establishing new dams is a veryexpensive and lengthy process and thereare only a few suitable locations withinSEQ. Potential future dam sites need tobe identified and protected frominappropriate development.

Saltwater desalination technology isimproving and desalination may becomeeconomically viable for SEQ in theforeseeable future.

Reuse of wastewater, for a range ofindustrial, irrigation and some domesticactivities, has the potential to releasesignificant volumes of potable water forhigher order uses.

Stormwater harvesting includingrainwater tanks can be applied at a siteor community level.

There are many demand managementapproaches currently being used in SEQ,such as outdoor watering restrictionsand two-part water pricing. There is,however, scope to broaden theseinitiatives, for example, mandating theuse of water efficient appliances,rainwater tanks and water reuse (dualreticulation) systems in new developmentareas. To have a significant impact thesemeasures need to be applied consistentlyacross the region and introduced as soonas possible to achieve critical mass. Somemeasures such as dual reticulation andrainwater tanks have a life-cycle costpenalty compared with existing watersupplies and some initiatives also shiftcosts from government to consumers.

The SEQ Regional Water Supply Strategy

The SEQ Regional Water Supply Strategy will identify issues and solutions for water supplyand management in the region. Work has commenced on the Strategy and will becompleted by 2006.

Integrated Urban Water Management for SEQ

The Regional Plan recommends augmenting the SEQ Regional Water Supply Strategy with apolicy framework to manage all aspects of the water cycle of the region.

These initiatives will together include:

• solving the immediate water supply needs of the Gold Coast which also services thepreferred long-term settlement pattern for the region;

• preserving potential future dams sites and management measures to protect potablewater catchments;

• identifying alternative and critical timelines for key infrastructure including future newwater sources;

• developing a risk management strategy addressing security of supply;

• creating agreed and common demand management measures and the means ofimplementation;

• reducing the average residential potable water consumption from the current level of300 litres per person per day to a target of 270 litres per person per day by 2010,reducing to 230 litres per person per day by 2020, which can then be used as a basis forplanning by all water authorities in the regions;

• creating a water pricing regime which reflects the true cost of storage, treatment anddistribution and encourages efficient water use;

• mandating low-level water restrictions on outdoor water uses;

• incorporating water sensitive design into all new developments;

• requiring rainwater tanks, water recycling and water-efficient appliances in all newdevelopments;

• introducing incentives for retrofitting of rainwater tanks, water recycling and water-efficient appliances in existing development;

• developing water recycling targets and strategies to promote ‘fit-for-purpose’ use ofwater by major industrial and commercial users;

• establishing appropriate regional institutional arrangements;

• minimising water loss through leakage in water distribution systems; and

• improving asset management.

These initiatives will be completed in parallel with the preparation of the Water ResourcesPlan, which will determine the allocation of bulk water supplies between various wateruses, including environmental flows, in the region.


Institutional models for water supply

The Regional Plan recommends investigating alternative institutional models to providemore efficient water management at the regional level. This could also better promotemore equitable and efficient water use, optimise the provision of water infrastructure andimprove flexibility to address future demand in a more efficient way.

WastewaterMost of the future wastewater treatmentneeds of the region will be addressedthrough progressive capacity upgrades toexisting wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs). Over time it is also likely thatsmaller, stand-alone and technologicallyadvanced treatment plants will becomemore common, particularly in newdevelopment areas that incorporate dualreticulation water reuse systems.

Wastewater management and treatmenthas a major influence on the quality ofour waterways and regionalenvironmental values. Environmentalissues, primarily water quality, are likelyto drive increasing discharge standards,requiring further upgrades to treatmentplants. This presents opportunities tocombine future environmentalcompliance upgrades with additionaltreatment processes to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ water is available for reuse.

Wastewater recycling relies upon anability to treat water to appropriatestandards and distribute it to consumers.Many WWTPs across the region arecapable of providing treated watersuitable for industrial use, fire fighting,irrigation, garden watering, and toiletflushing. Several SEQ local authoritiesalready operate or have planned waterreuse projects and there is potential tobuild on these projects to realise thesignificant reuse opportunities presentedby the proximity of major WWTPs tolarge potential users such as majorindustry precincts (for example, the ATCand the Western Corridor) and keyagricultural areas (for example, theBremer, Warrill and Lockyer valleys).

The key pieces of regional energyinfrastructure identified as a result of theregional planning process include:

• additional electricity and gasdistribution infrastructure to supporturban consolidation and infillthroughout the region; and

• additional electricity transmissionlines to the west of Brisbane.

TelecommunicationsTelecommunications is a major facilitatorof economic development, but theregulatory environment is dynamic andcomplex with substantial private sectorcompetition. Although the FederalGovernment policy framework isinfluential, the roles of government andthe private sector are changing. Nextgeneration broadbandtelecommunication, which providesaffordable, very high speed services tobusiness and residents is necessary todrive economic growth. This will facilitateinnovation and raise the productivecapacity of the workforce.

Ineffective strategic planning oftelecommunications infrastructure inSEQ has resulted in unnecessaryinfrastructure duplication. Distribution of infrastructure and services ischaracterised by over-supply in someareas and under-supply in others.


EnergyQueensland is a member of the NationalElectricity Market (NEM) and has thehighest level of investment in electricityinfrastructure in the NEM. With thecompletion of Kogan Creek PowerStation, generation capacity will besufficient to meet the forecast regionaldemand growth until about 2010.Queensland will need significantdevelopment of new generation andtransmission capacity through thebalance of the life of the Regional Plan.

The region's pattern of electricity demandhas changed from its traditional winterpeak to a summer peak, driven by thesubstantial increase in domestic airconditioning. Current capital andmaintenance expenditure on networks isaimed at improving supply reliability toexisting developed areas. There may besome impact on the capacity of thedistributors to meet projected peakdemand growth, which could beaddressed through sequencing ofplanned upgrades and networkextension.

The region's gas distribution network isrelatively small and the residential sectorrepresents the majority of customers ondistribution networks. The primary areaof growth for the gas distributionnetwork will be larger residential estatedevelopment. Major future gas demandwill come from customers who take gasdirectly from gas transmission pipelinesfor industrial processing and electricitygeneration.

WWTP discharge standards

The Moreton Bay Waterways andCatchments Partnership is currentlyreviewing WWTP discharge standardsbased on sustainable discharge loads forSEQ waterways.

The State Government has committed toimplementing a TelecommunicationsPlanning Project to facilitate the efficientprovision of infrastructure, reducebarriers to entry and operations, and toencourage greater take-up of broadbandcommunications.

The project will give consideration to:

• preparing a new statutory planningregime to provide a uniform approachto telecommunications infrastructure;

• developing policy guidelines toensure consistency in dealing withtelecommunications infrastructureproviders seeking access to government assets, rights of way and easements; and

• mandating the provision of fibre opticcable in new housing, high risedevelopments and urban renewalprojects.

The State Government will also work with other levels of government andeffectively engage with the private sectorto deliver high-speed broadband tele-communications and services to all of SEQ.

Solid waste managementThe existing waste managementinfrastructure in the region comprises 46 operating landfills, 63 waste transferstations and 11 materials recoveryfacilities. Under the pressure of tighteningenvironmental controls, more stringentdevelopment and licence conditions beingapplied to new landfill sites and currentfilling rates, it is predicted that about one-third of the existing landfills willclose within the next five years.

Certain waste types are being recycled atunprecedented rates, including biosolids(98 per cent recycled compared with lessthan 50 per cent only a few years ago),green and organic waste (71 per cent);and construction and demolition waste(42 per cent).

Currently approved landfill capacityacross the region is around 35 milliontonnes - sufficient for 17 years for theregion as a whole. There is considerablepotential for increasing this capacity toaround 100 million tonnes, or 50 yearslandfill life, by extending existing sites,establishing new sites and improvingrecycling. This potential increase inlandfill capacity is primarily located tothe west and south of the region.

Work is also proceeding in respect to moreefficient management of the overall wastestream by encouraging waste avoidance,improving waste transportation logisticsand the appropriate siting of wastetreatment facilities.

Social and communityinfrastructureSocial and community infrastructure andservices are provided in response to theneeds of communities. They enhance thequality of life, equity, law and order,stability and social well being throughcommunity support; safety and security;sports; recreation and culture; justice;housing; health and education.

Key issues for the provision of socialinfrastructure and services in SEQ include:

• the high population growth rate inSEQ that is currently causing strain onthe provision of social andcommunity services and facilities insome areas;

• the need to provide socialinfrastructure in an efficient,coordinated way;

• the need to prioritise and time theprovision of social infrastructure andservices with new developments;

• the limited human services availablein rural and urban fringe areas;

• the mismatch of services in inner andmiddle ring urban areas, directlyrelated to the effects and processes ofurban development (andgentrification);

• at a regional scale, the high need forsocial services and infrastructure ispredominantly in urban-fringedevelopments, rural areas and urbanlocations of multiple socialdisadvantage; and

• the potential to gain maximum benefitfrom community facilities through co-location, integration and providing forgreater community access to existingfacilities such as schools.

New master-planned communities areincreasingly using the provision ofcommunity services as an attractor. Thechallenge is for the developmentcommunity as a whole to plan for theadequate provision of social andcommunity services in all developments.

The proposal to require Structure Plansfor new development areas and the highemphasis on consolidating urbandevelopment around transport andactivity centres will assist in addressingmany of these issues.



Social and communityinfrastructure andservices are provided inresponse to the needs ofcommunities.

Aboriginal Peoples have a unique andinalienable link to the SEQ region. AsTraditional Owners, they are connectedto, associated with and responsible fortheir ancestral estates, water and air.Mountains and rivers traditionally definethe boundaries and areas ofresponsibility of Aboriginal Peoples andthese boundaries are different to thoseused in planning by State and localgovernments. Succeeding generations ofTraditional Owners have asked for properacknowledgment, respect andcommitment to progress their interestsand responsibilities.

Other Aboriginal Peoples have now alsocome to live in the ‘countries’ of theTraditional Owners. All Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Peoples should beable to enjoy a high standard of livingand participate fully as citizens of theregion. The challenge is to identify waysto involve Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Peoples effectively in planningprocesses and regional activities in SEQ.


Principle 7.1 – Traditional Owner engagement

Traditional Owner groups are recognisedas the custodians of country, and theirobligations in relation to country areunderstood and respected.

Strategies

S7.1 – Develop a regional framework forTraditional Owner engagement andsupport the establishment of the SEQTraditional Owner ConsultativeCommittee.

S7.2 – Enhance regional collaborativeand consultative processes that engageTraditional Owners in planning anddecision-making processes.


Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Desired regional outcome 7:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are actively involved in community planning anddecision-making processes and Traditional Owners are engaged in business about their country.

S7.3 – Address land and natural resourceissues in a comprehensive andcoordinated way which incorporates thesocial, environmental and economicaspirations of all Traditional Ownergroups in the region.

S7.4 – Promote a regional approach toNative Title which complements regionallevel planning of infrastructure, growthmanagement, economic development,natural resources and open space.

Principle 7.2 – Formation of partnerships

The engagement of Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Peoples will be progressedthrough cooperative partnerships basedon respect and understanding.

Strategies

S7.5 – Develop place-based partnershipsto achieve social and economic well-being and support existing programs andpolicies such as Partnerships Queenslandand Community Renewal.

S7.6 – Form partnerships to support awhole-of-government response to theaspirations of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Peoples in SEQ.

Principle 7.3 – Protecting Aboriginal culturalheritage

Aboriginal cultural heritage in the regionwill be recognised and protected.

Strategies

S7.7 – Improve the management ofareas of high cultural significancethrough the development of culturalheritage management agreements.

S7.8 – Ensure land use planningprocesses adequately protect Aboriginalcultural heritage.

S7.9 – Map geographic areas, which areof high cultural significance, inconsultation with all Traditional Ownergroups in the region.

Principle 7.4 – Social and economic equity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderPeoples living in SEQ have equal accessto the same standard of living, economicprospects and general well-being asother residents of the region.

Strategies

S7.10 – Manage the impacts whichdevelopment has upon Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Peoples living in theregion.

S7.11 – Improve statistical informationrelating to the Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander population and use thisinformation to guide infrastructure andservices planning, decision making andreporting.

S7.12 – Ensure regional housingstrategies address the housing needs ofAboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderPeoples.

Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 69


Form partnerships tosupport a whole-of-government response to the aspirations ofAboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Peoples in SEQ.

Part F

ImplementationThe Regional Plan is a framework toachieve better planning, managementand development of the region. It is botha strategic and a statutory plan. Effectiveimplementation will require cooperationby community stakeholders andcoordination of State and localgovernment plans.

Implementation of the Regional Plan willinvolve a range of planning,infrastructure and services coordinationand review processes.

Statutory processes

The Regional Plan is a statutoryinstrument. The statutoryimplementation requirements areestablished under the IPA, as amended.

Key elements of the legislation withrespect to implementation are:

• oversight by the RegionalCoordination Committee (RCC);

• local governments are required toamend their planning schemes toreflect the Regional Plan;

• State and local government agenciespreparing or amending a plan, policyor code that may affect a mattercovered under the Regional Plan musttake account of the Regional Plan;

• development assessment processes,including referral agency obligationsfor development applications, relatingto matters covered in the RegionalPlan.

• the effectiveness of the RegulatoryProvisions of the Regional Plan; and

• the Regional Planning Minister canexercise ‘call in’ powers.

The State Government will establishmechanisms to comply with theregulatory requirements forimplementing the Regional Plan.


Implementation and monitoring

Implementation of the Regional Plan will involve arange of planning, infrastructure and servicescoordination and review processes.

Planning

The Regional Growth ManagementStrategies in Part E of the Regional Planestablish a range of desired regionaloutcomes, principles and strategies toguide development of the region.

Implementation of these strategies atthe regional level will primarily befocussed on State and local governmentagencies. Implementation may alsoinvolve a wide range of community andindustry groups, particularly at the sub-regional and local level.

Either State Government agencies orlocal government in the region will bedesignated with the primaryresponsibilities for implementation ofthe regional planning strategies. EitherState Government agencies or localgovernment will be designated as leadagencies with responsibility forcoordinating the actions of all agenciesthat have a role in the implementationof strategies.

The implementation process alsorequires the preparation of detailedaction plans, work programs, budgetestimates and resource requirements.This work will be coordinated bynominated government agencies.

Infrastructure and servicecoordination

The SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Programwill identify future infrastructurepriorities for the region and will beupdated annually. Queensland Treasuryand the Office of Urban Management willoversee infrastructure and servicesplanning and priority setting for theregion and advise the Cabinet BudgetReview Committee (CBRC) to achievealignment of budget proposals with theRegional Plan.

A consultative Regional Infrastructureand Services Coordination Group will beestablished in State Government toprovide a whole-of-governmentapproach to infrastructure and servicesplanning, programming, budgeting andreview.

Implementation and monitoring 71

PART F – IMPLEMENTATIONS AND MONITORING

The implementationprocess also requires thepreparation of detailedaction plans, workprograms, budgetestimates and resourcerequirements. This workwill be coordinated bynominated governmentagencies.

Key steps for implementation

The key initial planning steps in implementing the Regional Plan are:

• population projections for the region will be revised based on the preferred pattern ofdevelopment;

• Local Growth Management Strategies will be prepared by local governments to plan forand manage change;

• local government planning schemes will be aligned with the Regional Plan;

• detailed studies will be undertaken in Investigation Areas to determine the feasibilityand timing of any future development;

• the SEQ Infrastructure Plan and Program will give direction to State infrastructureplanning and guidance to local governments’ priority infrastructure plans;

• TODs will be facilitated by a special-purpose task force; and

• the Regional Landscape and Open Space Advisory Committee will provide strategicadvice about the planning and management of regional open space.

Review

Implementation of the Regional Plan willbe monitored and reviewed annually inthe light of changes to demographic,housing and economic information,revised forecasts and changes to thetiming and nature of development. Thiswill inform the annual infrastructure andservices coordination processes ofgovernment.

The Regional Plan will be reviewedformally every five years.

Sustainability indicators will bemonitored and reported against annuallyto measure the on-going and cumulativesuccess of the Regional Plan over time.

MonitoringThe Regional Plan will contribute to asustainable region by managing growthin a way that:

• preserves and enhances the regionsnatural diversity;

• provides prosperity through adynamic and resilient economy; and

• promotes equality in a communitythat cares for its members and for theenvironment in which they live.

Monitoring is an important part of theplanning process as the results informfuture policy development.

Sustainability indicators have beenidentified to measure important elementsof regional sustainability and monitor

progress towards the achievement of the desired regional outcomes. The indicators will:

• monitor change;

• increase awareness of the currentState and future trends in the region;

• set benchmarks;

• measure an outcome of the plan orelements that can be influenced;

• measure the effectiveness of policyand inform policy development;

• be appropriately used at a regionalscale;

• use data that can be readily collected;and

• identify clearly the accountability andresponsibility for each indicator.

When combined, the indicators willprovide an overall picture of the progressmade towards a sustainable region.

The proposed indicators build on anumber of existing monitoring activitiesincluding the State of the EnvironmentQueensland Report, the QueenslandHouseholder Survey and QueenslandResidential Land and Dwelling ActivityMonitor and the Moreton Bay Waterwayand Catchment Partnership’s HealthyWaterways Scorecard.

The information will be monitored andreported on annually.

The sustainability indicators for theRegional Plan are documented in Table 4.


Monitoring is animportant part of theplanning process as theresults inform futurepolicy development.

Roles and responsibilities

SEQ Regional Coordination Committee (RCC)

Coordinates the preparation and review of the Regional Plan and advises the StateGovernment about the development and implementation of the Regional Plan.

Office of Urban Management (OUM)

Works collaboratively with State Government agencies, local governments and stakeholdersto keep the Regional Plan under review, manage growth effectively and coordinate timelyinfrastructure and services to implement the Plan. The OUM is also a Concurrence Agencyfor development of regional significance and the Draft Regulatory Provisions under IPA.

PART F – IMPLEMENTATIONS AND MONITORING

Implementation and monitoring 73

Table 4 – Sustainability indicators

Urban Form

1. Housing density

2. Distribution of new dwelling by location, including infill

3. Diversity of new housing types

Natural environment, resources and rural production

4. Health of regional waterways, including Moreton Bay

5. Days per annum the Air Quality Index is ‘fair’ or less

6. Per capita greenhouse gas emission by source

7. Area (in hectares) of natural habitat

8. Area of ‘protected estate’

9. Area (in hectares) of land available for productive agriculture, horticulture, forestryand grazing

Strong communities

10. Quality of the Urban Environment Index

11. Housing affordability (CBA-HIA Housing Affordability Index)

12. Change in areas identified as relatively socially disadvantaged

A diverse economy

13. Gross Regional Product per capita by industry sector

14. Employment and unemployment rate by location

15. Business activity by location

Integrated transport

16. Transport Accessibility Index

17. Total vehicle kilometres travelled per capita

18. Mode share of total trips

19 Congestion

Infrastructure and services

20. Energy consumption per capita

21. Potable water consumption per capita

22. Potable water storage capacity in years

23. Waste recycling and disposal (water and solid)

Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

24. Quality of life indices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Sustainability indicatorshave been identified tomeasure importantelements of regionalsustainability andmonitor progress towards the successfulachievement of thedesired regionaloutcomes.

Part G

Division 1 – Preliminary

1. SEQ region divided into areas(1) The Draft SEQ Regional Plan allocates all land in the SEQ region into one of the

following areas:

(a) Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area;

(b) Rural Living Area;

(c) Urban Footprint;

(d) Investigation Area;

(e) Mt Lindesay/North Beaudesert Investigation Area.

(2) These areas are shown on the maps referred to in Schedule 1.

Division 2 – Provisions affecting planning schemes(Act1 s2.5A.12(2)(a) ~ (c))

2. Certain material changes of use assessable development2

A material change of use for urban purposes3 other than for a single dwelling on anexisting lot is assessable development requiring impact assessment if all or part of thepremises, the subject of the development, is in the:

(a) Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area; or

(b) Rural Living Area; or

(c) Investigation Area; or

(d) Mt Lindesay/North Beaudesert Investigation Area, unless the premises isdesignated or zoned for urban purposes in the relevant planning scheme.


Draft Regulatory Provisions

1 Integrated Planning Act 1997.2 The Chief Executive will become a Concurrence Agency for development applications

mentioned in this section under the Integrated Planning Regulation 1998.3 Urban purposes is defined in Part 4 of Schedule 8 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

To make it clear for these regulations urban purposes does not include rural residentialpurposes as defined in Schedule 2.

PART G – DRAFT REGULATORY PROVISIONS

3. Additional matters for assessmentIn addition to any relevant matters applying for assessing anddeciding an application to which Section 2 applies under aplanning scheme, the application complies with these DraftRegulatory Provisions only if:

(a) for premises in or adjoining a rural village - there is anexus between the development and the strategic intentfor the growth of the rural village under the planningscheme; or

(b) if subsection (a) does not apply :

(i) the development has locational requirements orenvironmental impacts necessitating its locationoutside the Urban Footprint; and

(ii) there is an overriding need for the development inthe public interest4; and

(iii)for development in the Investigation Area – thedevelopment would be consistent with the futuredevelopment of the area for urban purposes.

Division 3 – Provisions regulatingdevelopment (Act s2.5A.12(2)(d))

4. Certain reconfiguration prohibited(1) Subsection (2) applies for land in the following areas:

(a) the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area;

(b) the Investigation Area;

(2) Reconfiguration of a lot may not occur if any resulting lotwould have an area less than:

(a) if the planning scheme states a minimum lot sizegreater than 100 hectares - the area stated in theplanning scheme; or

(b) to the extent the land is located in a designatedagricultural area the minimum lot size stated in theplanning scheme; or

(c) in any other case - 100 hectares.

(3) However subsection (2) does not apply if:

(a) the number of lots that would be created by thereconfiguration is the same or less than the number oflots to be reconfigured; or

(b) the reconfiguration is associated with a material changeof use for which a development approval is in effect; or

(c) the reconfiguration is:

(i) for rural residential purposes on land designated orzoned for rural residential purposes; and

(ii) the application for the reconfiguration is madewithin two years of the day these Draft RegulatoryProvisions came into effect.

5. Development in the Mt Lindesay/NorthBeaudesert Investigation Area(1) Subsection (2) applies for land in the Mt Lindesay/North

Beaudesert Investigation Area.

(2) Reconfiguration of a lot may only occur if:

(a) the number of lots that would be created by thereconfiguration is the same or less than the number oflots to be reconfigured; or

(b) the reconfiguration is:

(i) for urban purposes and the land is in or adjoins arural village; or

(ii) the land is designated or zoned for urban purposes;or

(c) the reconfiguration is for a material change of use:

(i) mentioned in Section 2; and

(ii) for which a development approval is in effect.

(3) Subsection (2) expires 18 months after the day these draftRegulatory Provisions came into effect.

Division 4 – Transitional arrangements fordevelopment applications affected by DraftRegulatory Provisions (Act s2.5A.12(2)(e))

6. Development applications may continueThese Draft Regulatory Provisions do not apply for adevelopment application made before the day these DraftRegulatory Provisions came into effect.

Schedules

Schedule 1 – MapsThe maps referred to in Division 1 are marked Draft SEQ RegionalPlan, Draft Regulatory Provisions, Schedule 1 - Regulatory Maps,numbered Map SEQRP1 to Map SEQRP 33.

Schedule 2 – DictionaryDesignated agricultural area means land identified as beingpredominately for agricultural purposes in an IPA planningscheme made pursuant to the Integrated Planning Act 1997 andfor which the scheme specifies minimum lot sizes.

Draft Regulatory Provisions 75

4 Schedule 3 provides guidance on how to determine overriding need in the public interest.5 Net residential yield is calculated by adding the area of the parcels created and the area of local parks and road casements, then dividing

by the number of lots created.6 Community Infrastructure is defined in Schedule 5 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

Rural residential purposes means purposes for which land isused that are predominantly residential and having a netresidential yield5 of less than four dwellings or residential lots per hectare. Such residential purposes is not included in thedefinition of urban purposes for these regulatory provisions.

Rural village means a location named in accordance with the PlaceNames Act 1994 that comprises residential dwellings, some urbanfunction (for example, shop, office or community infrastructure6);and is not located within the Urban Footprint. These locationsinclude but are not limited to those listed in Schedule 4.

Schedule 3 – Determining overriding need in thepublic interest1. Certain development may be approved if in the public

interest

Division 2 of the Draft Regulatory Provisions states thatcertain development applications comply with these DraftRegulatory Provisions only if there is an overriding need forthe development proposal in the public interest. Determiningwhether or not overriding public need exists will necessarilydepend on the circumstances of the particular developmentproposal.

2. Establishing net economic, social or environmental benefit

The overall social, economic and environmental benefits of thedevelopment proposal should be established and weighedagainst:

(a) any detrimental impacts upon the natural values of the site; and

(b) any conflicts with the desired outcomes of the DraftRegional Plan, especially in relation to promotingconsolidation of development within the Urban Footprintand preventing fragmented development in the RegionalLandscape and Rural Production Area and Investigation area;and the Mt Lindesay/North Beaudesert Investigation Area.

This may require an assessment to determine if the developmentcould reasonably be located within the Urban Footprint. It isconsidered unlikely that activities with relatively few specificlocational requirements, such as residential development,shopping centres and the like, would be able to demonstrate thatthey should be permitted to locate outside the Urban Footprint.The fact that the development proponent has an interest in oroptions over the subject site and that it is consequently availablefor the development proposal does not in itself justify anoverriding need.

3. Determining community benefit to be overriding

For the proponent to demonstrate that the developmentproposal would achieve sufficient community benefit for it tobe overriding, it must be shown that the community wouldexperience significant adverse economic, social orenvironmental impacts if the development proposal were notto proceed.

Schedule 4 – Rural village or township

Place name Administrative area name

Beechmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BeaudesertHillview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BeaudesertRathdowney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BeaudesertTamborine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BeaudesertDugandan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BoonahMount Alford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BoonahMunbilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BoonahWarrill View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BoonahBulwer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BrisbaneCowan Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BrisbaneKooringal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BrisbaneElimbah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CabooltureMount Mee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CabooltureNeurum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CabooltureWamuran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CabooltureConondale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CaloundraWitta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CaloundraGlamorgan Vale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskHarlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskLinville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskMinden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskMoore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskSomerset Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskCoominya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EskGrantham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GattonMa Ma Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GattonMurphys Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GattonSpringbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold CoastGrandchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IpswichVilleneuve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KilcoyJimna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KilcoyNinderry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MaroochyNorth Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MaroochyKin Kin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoosaPinbarren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NoosaTeewah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noosa


CBD: The Brisbane Central Business District and the adjacent area with significant officedevelopment, cultural facilities and service industries.

Concurrence Agency: An entity prescribed under a Regulatory Provision as a ConcurrenceAgency for an application made under the IPA.

Greenfield area: Relevantly large area of undeveloped land identified as suitable for urbandevelopment in the Urban Footprint.

Infill development: New development in established urban areas where the site is eithervacant or has previously been used for another urban purpose. The scale of development canrange from the creation of one additional residential lot to a major mixed-useredevelopment.

Inter-urban breaks: Non-urban land areas that separate and/or surround urban villages,towns and metropolitan areas.

Local Growth Management Strategy: Strategies to be prepared by local governments todemonstrate how dwelling targets and associated jobs and infrastructure will beaccommodated.

Major new residential areas: Combines significant land areas identified for residentialdevelopment that could be in one or more ownership.

Net residential density: A measure of housing density measured as lots or dwellings perhectare and calculated by adding the area of residential lots plus the area of local roads andparks and then divided by the number of dwellings and residential lots.

Regional Activity Centres: Areas supporting a concentration of higher density living,business, employment, research, education, services and social interaction activities.

Regional Plan: The South East Queensland Regional Plan, developed in accordance withSection 2.5A10 of the IPA.

Regional Planning Minister: The Minister administering Chapter 2, Part 5A of the IPA.

Regulatory Maps: Set of Maps referred to in Schedule 1 of the Draft Regulatory Provisions,identifying land areas under Division 1 of the Draft Regulatory Provisions.

Regulatory Provisions: Regulatory Provisions made under Section 2.5A12 of the IPA inrespect to the SEQ region.

Rural residential: A form of low-density residential developments characterised by large lotsof between 2,000m2 to five hectares in a rural or semi-rural setting and with a net residentialdensity of less than four dwellings or residential lots per hectare.

Rural Village: A rural settlement within the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Areathat is not bound by an Urban Footprint.

SEQ region: The 18 local government areas within the SEQ region and the waters adjacent tothese areas.

Structure Plan: An integrated land use plan developed at a local level, setting out the broadenvironmental, land use, infrastructure and development concepts to guide detail siteplanning.

Sustainability indicators: Broad measures of sustainability to be used to monitor theprogress of the implementation of the Regional Plan.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD): Mixed-use residential and commercial areas, designedto maximise the efficient use of land through high levels of access to public transport.

Western Corridor: The Greater Ipswich area, extending generally form Wacol throughIpswich City to Amberley and including Ebenezer, Swanbank, Ripley Valley and Springfield.

Glossary 77

Glossary

ATC – Australia TradeCoast

CAMCOS – Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study

CBD – Central Business District

CBRC – Cabinet Budget Review Committee

ESD – Ecologically Sustainable Development

ICT – Information and Communications Technology

IDAS – Integrated Development Assessment System identified in the Integrated PlanningAct 1997

IPA – Integrated Planning Act 1997

IPOLAA 2004 – Integrated Planning and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2004

IUWM – Integrated Urban Water Management

NEM – National Electricity Market

NORSROC – Northern Regional Organisation of Councils

OUM – Office of Urban Management

SEQ – South East Queensland

SEQRCC – SEQ Regional Coordination Committee

SEQROC – SEQ Regional Organisation of Councils

SouthROC – Southern Regional Organisation of Councils

Sub-ROC – Sub-Regional Organisation of Councils

TOD – Transit Oriented Development

WESROC – Western Regional Organisation of Councils

WWM – Wastewater Management

WWTP – Wastewater Treatment Plant.


Abbreviations

A large number of individuals and organisations have contributed to the preparation of thedraft SEQ Regional Plan, in particular, those who made written submissions on the SEQ2021 Discussion Papers and attended community consultation forums. Although it is notpossible to list all of these separately, their contributions are acknowledged andappreciated.

The contributions of the following individuals and groups are acknowledged: Members ofthe Regional Coordination Committee (RCC); members of the SEQ 2021 Working Groupsand Policy Development and Integration Committee (PDIC); Reference Groups and InterestGroups; State agencies and local governments, Sub-ROC Coordinators and staff of theOffice of Urban Management.

Special thanks to:

The membership of the RCC:

The Hon Terry Mackenroth – Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for (Chair) SportThe Hon Desley Boyle – Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and WomenThe Hon Paul Lucas – Minister for Transport and Main RoadsThe Hon Tony McGrady – Minister for State Development and InnovationThe Hon Warren Pitt – Minister for Communities, Disability Services and SeniorsThe Hon Stephen Robertson – Minister for Natural Resources and MinesCr Campbell Newman – Lord Mayor of Brisbane and Chair of SEQROCCr Bob Abbot – Mayor of Noosa and Chair of NORSROCCr John Freeman – Mayor of Logan and Chair of SouthROCCr Paul Pisasale – Mayor of Ipswich and Chair of WESROC

State Government Departments:

Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Department of Child Safety Department of Communities Department of Corrective Services Department of Education and the Arts Department of Emergency Services Department of Employment and Training Department of Energy Department of Housing Department of Industrial Relations Department of Justice and Attorney-General Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation Department of Main Roads Department of Natural Resources and Mines Department of the Premier and Cabinet Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Department of Public Works Department of State Development and Innovation Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development Disability Services Queensland Environmental Protection Agency Queensland Health Queensland Police Service Queensland Transport Queensland Treasury

Acknowledgements 79

Acknowledgements

Local governments:

Noosa Shire CouncilCaloundra City CouncilMaroochy Shire CouncilKilcoy Shire CouncilCaboolture Shire CouncilPine Rivers Shire CouncilEsk Shire CouncilBrisbane City CouncilRedcliffe City CouncilRedland Shire CouncilLogan City CouncilToowoomba City CouncilGatton Shire CouncilLaidley Shire CouncilIpswich City CouncilBoonah Shire CouncilBeaudesert Shire CouncilGold Coast City CouncilTweed Shire Council


Local government Organisations of Council:

SEQ Regional Organisation of Councils (SEQROC)Northern Sub-Regional Organisation of Councils (NORSROC)Western Sub-Regional Organisation of Councils (WESROC)Southern Regional Organisation of Councils (SouthROC)Brisbane City

Images courtesy of:

Brisbane City Council, Boonah Shire Council, Caboolture ShireCouncil, Caloundra City Council, Gatton Shire Council, IpswichCity Council, Logan City Council, Maroochy Shire Council,Redcliffe City Council, Toowoomba City Council, Centre forSubtropical Design, Department of Communities, Department ofMain Roads, Department of State Development and Innovation,Tourism Queensland, Michael Aird, Jemina Dunn and Darren Jew.

Privacy statementThe Office of Urban Management (the Office) is committed toprotecting your privacy. Feedback you send to the Office will beused for purposes related to the consultation, as well as formonitoring and improving services offered by the Office.

Your feedback may be stored in a database maintained by theOffice, or by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (the Department). If you do not wish for thisto occur, please contact the Office’s Secretariat Director on 07 3247 5447.

Your feedback will be disclosed to relevant staff from the Office,and may also be disclosed to staff from the Department as well as other relevant government agencies. Personal information (as defined in the Queensland Government’s Information Standard42) will only be disclosed in accordance with that Standard.

Feedback you send to the Office will be retained as required by thePublic Records Act 2002 and other relevant Acts and Regulations,and is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1992.

If you have any further questions regarding your privacy, pleasecontact the Department’s Privacy Contact Officer [email protected]

Translation statementThe Office of Urban Management is committed to ensuring thatall people in SEQ have the opportunity to provide feedback on thisdraft Regional Plan. If you need help with English translation,please contact the Office on 1800 021 818.

Office of Urban Management

Website www.oum.qld.gov.au Freecall 1800 021 818Email [email protected] 3235 4563Visit Level 4, 61 Mary Street, BrisbaneMail Reply Paid 31, Brisbane Albert Street BC QLD 4002.

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