South East Queensland Regional Plan

[ozbob]

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/seq

South East Queensland
Overview

South East Queensland (SEQ) is Australia's fastest growing region. By 2031, its population is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million people.

The region covers 22,890 square kilometres, stretching 240 kilometres from Noosa in the north to the Queensland ? New South Wales border in the south, and 160 kilometres west to Toowoomba.

The SEQ region includes land covered by 11 city and regional local governments. Its regional landscape is a rich mix of bushland and beaches, ranges and paddocks, rivers and lakes.

SEQ?s population is heavily urbanised and is generally concentrated along the coast between Noosa and Cooloongatta.
Future South East Queensland

The region?s growth will generate demand for 754,000 new dwellings, as well as supporting infrastructure and services. It will impose significant social, economic and environmental pressures on the region.

The SEQ Regional Plan seeks to proactively manage this growth by identifying a preferred settlement pattern for the region and encouraging more compact development. An increased proportion of the region?s population will be accommodated in the Western Corridor, reducing pressure on the heavily populated coast.

Of the new dwellings that will be required in SEQ by 2031, nearly half will be built in established urban areas through infill and redevelopment, and the rest in suitable undeveloped (broadhectare) sites.

The plan also protects 85 % of the region from urban development by restricting this development outside the Urban Footprint and identifying areas within the Urban Footprint for future urban growth.

SEQ Regional Plan External Link


From the Courier Mail click here!

Get used to high density housing, says Bligh government

Get used to high density housing, says Bligh government
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Craig Johnstone

July 28, 2009 11:26am

SUBURBS such as Chermside, Indooroopilly and Cleveland will be transformed into places of high density development under a radical new plan to stop urban sprawl.
The Bligh government's new South East Queensland Regional Plan identifies those suburbs as being ready to hold housing development of up to 120 dwellings per hectare.

Other suburbs will need to get used to residential densities on a par with Fortitude Valley, as the region's population is expected to grow from 2.8 million to 4.4 million people by 2031.

The plan envisages that half the estimated 754,000 new homes the region requires to cope with an explosion in population growth will need to be built alongside existing housing.

The will force the region's councils to approve development only with a designated urban footprint.

Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe denied the plan would see high rise development in many suburbs but said residents had to get used to higher density living.

He said the regional plan would encourage development away from the coast and towards a corridor west of Brisbane.


The plan is expected to protect more than 85 per cent of the region from urban development by restricting development outside an area known as the ``urban footprint'' and identifying areas within the urban footprint for future urban growth.


Mr Hinchliffe said the plan set an urban dwelling target of 15 homes per hectare.


``That is a style of housing and a style of residential accommodation that people in southeast Queensland know very well if they know suburbs like New Farm, like Coorparoo,'' he said.


Mr Hinchliffe said he was committed to protecting ``the great backyard'' as a housing option.


``But we can't have that across the whole of the region without breaking out and creating that sprawl that we don't want to have, without damaging the 85 per cent of the southeast that's being protected,'' he said.

The target of 754,000 new dwellings is equivalent to 93 new homes being built each and every day until 2031.

It also means the southeast requires 6.7 new homes for every 10 exisiting now.

The plan also contains a strategy to protect koalas, whose habitat is gradually being developed.


The region covers an area of 22,890 square kilometres, stretching 240km from Noosa in the north to the Queensland-NSW border in the south, and 160km west to Toowoomba.

with AAP

[ozbob]

We clearly need immediate and sustained investment in rail and integrated public transport.

The shackles on QR Passenger and Brisbane Transport and other operators must be removed forthwith.

?Give us the tools and we will finish the job.? Winston Churchill

Give our public transport operators the tools and they WILL DO THE JOB!

[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
28/07/2009

Development under control in long-term vision for SEQ

The unique environment and lifestyle that is the envy of Australia will be protected under the State Government's new long-term plan for South East Queensland.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, released today (Tue 28/07/09), would protect 85 per cent of SEQ from urban development.

That compares to 84 per cent under the previous plan including almost 900 hectares of land previously earmarked for development in Thornlands and Southern Redland Bay

"This land will now act as a buffer to protect high value koala habitat in that region," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This is just one example of how despite significant pressure to expand the urban footprint we have resisted developers and held our nerve to protect our natural environment."

Mr Hinchliffe said large tracts of land had also been safeguarded from future urban development in areas such as Redlands, Bunya and Rochedale to protect what South East Queenslanders love most about the region.

"South east Queenslanders have made it very clear they want their open spaces protected not plundered,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"They simply won't accept urban sprawl that eats away at the region's green lungs and impacts on our enviable way of life.

"This plan strikes a balance between population growth and the need to protect the lifestyle that residents of the south east value and enjoy by guiding development patterns in the region over the next two decades.

"It responds to the key issues facing the region, including continued high population growth, traffic congestion, koala protection, climate change and employment generation.

"Importantly, it also protects 85 per cent of the region from urban development through land classifications which recognise land with environmental, rural or landscape values.''

"The plan would manage growth, not just accommodate it.

South East Queensland's population was expected to increase to 4.4 million by 2031- marked growth which will require the designated Urban Footprint to accommodate an estimated 754,000 new dwellings.

Mr Hinchliffe said in order to meet growth and continue to protect 85 per cent of the region from urban development, the plan would promote infill development in areas with existing infrastructure and encourage development away from the coast and towards the Western Corridor.

"Brisbane is expected to take 21 per cent of the new dwellings - which equates to 156,000 homes, while the Gold Coast will absorb 19 per cent (143,000), Ipswich 16 per cent (118,000), the Sunshine Coast 13 per cent (98,000), Moreton Bay 11 per cent (84,000) and Logan 9 per cent (70,000),'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"An increased proportion of this future population will be accommodated in the Western Corridor - especially in the Ipswich area - making use of significant areas of available land and reducing pressures on the coast."

The Minister said the SEQ Regional Plan would redirect growth to existing urban areas while maintaining a supply of broadhectare land for development.

"This will ensure development occurs within the Urban Footprint in locations that provide ready access to infrastructure and services - especially those that help to reduce car dependency,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Ensuring a mix of housing choices is available will also help to improve housing affordability across the region.

"That's why the $124 billion South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan, which was also released this month, and the road and transport projects it contains are so important."

Mr Hinchliffe said the plan also addressed the growing need for affordable housing with a mix of dwelling types and densities to more effectively meet the needs of the region's population.

He said mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the region's koala habitat were also key elements in the plan.

"The Government remains committed to increasing and regenerating koala habitat by 2020, and the new Koala State Planning Policy is expected to be in place by the end of the year,'' Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The SEQ Regional Plan also contains an updated koala habitat values map to assist with koala friendly main road upgrades and influence dog control laws to further protect koala populations throughout the region.''

"3500 submissions were received and reviewed following the release of the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031.

"I would also like to thank the mayors of South East Queensland including Campbell Newman, Paul Pisasale, Allan Sutherland and Bob Abbot for their contribution.

For more information on the regional plan visit www.dip.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 070 609.

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[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
28/07/2009

Development under control in long-term vision for Gold Coast

More than 60 per cent of the Gold Coast will be protected from development under the State Government's long-term plan for the region.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, released today, would ensure future growth is managed sustainably to protect the coast's unique natural environment and lifestyle.

"This plan strikes a balance between population growth and the need to protect the lifestyle that residents of the coast value and enjoy by guiding development patterns over the next two decades," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"It responds to the key issues facing the south east region, including continued high population growth, traffic congestion, koala protection, climate change and employment generation.

"Crucially, this is a plan to manage growth, not just accommodate it.

"South East Queenslanders have been very clear they want us to protect their open spaces. They simply won't accept urban sprawl that eats away at the region's green lungs and impacts on our enviable way of life."

Mr Hinchliffe said the population of the Gold Coast was expected to increase to 749,000 from the current 466,500 by 2031 - a 60 per cent increase.

"This will require the designated urban footprint to accommodate an estimated 143,000 new dwellings through a combination of infill and broadhectare development," he said.

"This equates to 19 per cent of the new dwellings needed across South East Queensland, which has been reduced from 22 per cent of new dwellings forecast in the previous plan - easing the development pressure on the coast.

"Infill development predominantly around Southport, Robina, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Nerang, Helensvale and Bundall will cater for up to 97,000 of these, while broadhectare developments in areas such as Coomera, Hope Island, Pimpama, Ormeau, Maudsland and Reedy Creek are expected to accommodate 32,000 dwellings.

"Overall, settlement patterns will be conducive to good environmental management and will protect key areas such as the Green Heart, the Spit, the coast's world-famous beaches and hinterland.

"To support this, development will be concentrated around transport hubs, while densities will be at least 15 dwellings per hectare in order to efficiently use land and infrastructure.

"That's why the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project is so important and infrastructure such as this is crucial to our plan to protect the Gold Coast lifestyle that is the envy of Australia."

Minister Hinchliffe said the plan would also ensure employment growth would support the expected population increase.

"Historically, the Gold Coast's economy has been linked to tourism and recreation industries, however, it has diversified and comprises significant commercial, retail and industrial areas, as well as specialist health, education and technology hubs," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The coast's Principal Activity Centres at Southport and Robina are expected to expand their roles as commercial, retail, administrative and specialist centres and evolve into integrated, mixed-use centres.

"Tourism will continue to be a significant economic driver, while the local marine industry will grow through an expansion of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera and the proposed establishment of a marine industry precinct at Steiglitz."

Mr Hinchliffe said mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the region's koala habitat were also key elements in the plan.

"South East Queensland is one of Australia's biodiversity hotspots and is renowned for the quality and diversity of its natural environment. The region is home to rich native flora and fauna as well as the largest urban koala population in Australia" he said.

"Overall, this is a plan to ensure that South East Queensland is managed in a sustainable way by reducing the region's ecological footprint while enhancing its economy and the quality of life of residents.

"The plan will help to protect biodiversity, contain urban development, build and maintain community identity, reduce car dependency and support a prosperous economy.

"In future, our communities will be built and managed using contemporary measures to conserve water and energy and featuring buildings designed to take advantage of our subtropical climate."

For more information on the regional plan visit www.dip.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 070 609.

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[ozbob]

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
28/07/2009

Development under control in long-term vision for Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast's unique natural environment and lifestyle will be protected under the State Government's long-term plan for the region.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031, released today, would guide future development patterns in the region.

"This plan strikes a balance between population growth and the need to protect the lifestyle that residents of the coast value and enjoy," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"It responds to the key issues facing the south east region, including continued high population growth, traffic congestion, koala protection, climate change and employment generation.

"Crucially, this is a plan to manage growth, not just accommodate it.

"South East Queenslanders have been very clear they want us to protect their open spaces.

Mr Hinchliffe said the population of the Sunshine Coast was expected to increase to 497,000 from the current 295,000 by 2031 - a 60 per cent increase.

"This will require the designated urban footprint to accommodate an estimated 98,000 new dwellings through a combination of infill and broadhectare development," he said.

"This equates to 13 per cent of the new dwellings needed across South East Queensland, which has been reduced from 14 per cent of new dwellings forecast in the previous plan - easing the development pressure on the coast.

"Infill development predominantly around Maroochydore, Caloundra, Sippy Downs, Kawana, Nambour and Beerwah will cater for up to 37,000 of these, while broadhectare developments in areas such as Peregian, Mountain View, Palmview and Caloundra South are expected to accommodate 61,000 dwellings.

"Hinterland towns with access to passenger rail services will provide opportunities for further limited residential growth subject to adequate infrastructure and services, however, the priority will be to protect the existing character and amenity of individual townships."

Minister Hinchliffe said the State Government had listened to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and ensured the Caloundra South-Halls Creek area remained outside the urban footprint.

"Both this area and land in the Beerwah-Caloundra South corridor have been nominated as Identified Growth Areas by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council with potential to accommodate long term growth," he said.

"There is the potential for residential and employment growth in either one or the other of these Identified Growth Areas, however any development would be subject to further investigations.

"The Sunshine Coast community has voiced its preference for retaining a green space buffer between the growing urban centres of Caloundra and the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

"Subsequently, any development in these areas would need to align with future infrastructure and transport needs and importantly, ensure the local environment is protected."

Mr Hinchliffe said the plan would match forecast population growth with the necessary employment opportunities.

"Promoting continued employment growth and economic diversification on the Sunshine Coast is important to ensure there are local jobs for the local community," he said.

"Innovation, knowledge-based and creative industries, research and development, health, tourism and sport are all essential to the Sunshine Coast's economic development.

"To create more employment and accommodate further residential growth, regional activity centres such as Maroochydore, Noosa, Nambour, Kawana Waters, Sippy Downs and Caloundra will provide a more compact form and mix of land uses with easy access to public transport.

"Maroochydore will be the most significant location for economic and employment growth, providing the focus for office-based business, community services and government administration."

Mr Hinchliffe said mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the region's koala habitat were also key elements in the plan.

"South East Queensland is one of Australia's biodiversity hotspots and is renowned for the quality and diversity of its natural environment. The region is home to rich native flora and fauna as well as the largest urban koala population in Australia" he said.

"Overall, this is a plan to ensure that South East Queensland is managed in a sustainable way by reducing the region's ecological footprint while enhancing its economy and the quality of life of residents.

"In future, our communities will be built and managed using contemporary measures to conserve water and energy and featuring buildings designed to take advantage of our subtropical climate."

For more information on the regional plan visit www.dip.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 070 609.

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[Jon Bryant]

The Plan sets out some great outcomes that are hard to argue with.  I do fail to see how the Transport Infrastructure Plans in their current road biased form will support the overall intent of the plan.  The densities, the commerical/district centres, the green space, etc  all make sense but it is unrealistic to think the current approach to transport planning wiill be able to support it.  As the current focus on roads, roads, roads and more roads will only make congestion worse I can not see the plan being realised.

As I have said in other posts "A fundamental change in transport planning is required. Currently the approach is to assume public and active transport will only ever be about 12-15% of trips.  20% max.  The rest needs to be catered for by the motor vehicle and the road system and car parking planned accordingly.  And we wonder why 80% of trips are made by motor vehicle.  We planned for it!!!!" 

Until this change is made we are denstined for increased car usage, worse air quality, poorer urban envorinments and a city that is ugly, unsafe and unsustainable both economically and environmentally.  Until this change occurs the SEQ Regional Plan is just words in a book that will never be achieved.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

93 homes a day to meet southeast Queensland population growth

93 homes a day to meet southeast Queensland population growth
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Craig Johnstone

July 29, 2009 12:00am

SOUTHEAST Queensland will need to build an average of 93 homes each day for 20 years to accommodate an expected explosion in population growth.

A radical new plan by the Bligh Government to combat urban sprawl says half this new development will have to go alongside existing housing rather than on greenfield sites.

The redrafted South East Queensland Regional Plan has forecast the region will need an extra 754,000 homes to help accommodate a population of 4.4 million by 2031.

But the plan discourages the traditional fix for increased population ? new housing estates on the city outskirts ? in favour of "infill" development in established suburbs and around rail and bus corridors to limit car use.

Suburbs such as Indooroopilly, Carindale, Cleveland and Chermside, as well as coastal centres such as Maroochydore and Southport are scheduled for increased residential densities of up 120 dwellings per hectare. Other suburbs such as Wynnum and Strathpine will be transformed into compact urban living areas along the lines of Fortitude Valley.

Much of the new housing development will be pushed away from the coast and into the so-called western corridor, which could see the population of the City of Ipswich approach 500,000 in the next 20 years, more than triple what it is now.

About 900ha of land in the Redlands area has been locked away for development to protect koala habitat.

Planning and Infrastructure MInister Stirling Hinchliffe said 85 per cent of the region remained protected from development under the plan.

"The plan would manage growth, not just accommodate it," he said.

Developers have scored several wins, with the Government identifying areas outside the so-called "urban footprint" as possible future sites for housing. One of these areas, a parcel of land at Halls Creek between Caloundra and Caboolture, has sparked fears among local councils that valuable green space could be lost.

Some Queensland mayors yesterday expressed anger that the Government had failed to properly brief them on the plan before releasing it to the media.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the city faced a major challenge to find room for 156,000 new dwellings.

"People have said they don't want a sardine city but we can't stop people coming here."

Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay mayors Bob Abbot and Allan Sutherland slammed the plan, saying it would replace green space with industry.

They were particularly critical of the Government's decision to investigate urban expansion in the green belt that separates Greater Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast.

"These crucial areas should be protected for future generations, it's nothing short of a tragedy," Cr Sutherland said.

Urban Development Institute of Australia chief executive officer Brian Stewart called for compensation for developers prevented from building on land they owned.