The draft South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP), released today, unveils a 50 year vision for the South East, with a focus on community, affordable living, future jobs and maximising existing infrastructure.
State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said the plan, formed through extensive consultation with the region’s 12 councils, industry and the community, will deliver a sustainable future.
"The population of South East Queensland is expected to grow to over 5.3 million people in the next 25 years and the draft SEQRP is all about catering for this growth sustainably," Mr Ryan said.
"The Moreton Bay region alone is expected to grow to 655,000 people, with thousands of additional people wanting to make our great community their home.
"We know that these new residents will need places to live, work and raise their families.
"With this is mind the plan focuses on affordable living – not just affordable housing – and looks at the way that people interact with their community and the services around them.
"Having been informed by extensive community consultation the draft SEQRP also recognises the importance of preserving the things that people love about living here in Moreton Bay including our beautiful natural environment, diverse culture and relaxed way of life.
State Member for Pumicestone Rick Williams said that the new plan got the balance right between sustainability and growing jobs.
"Importantly, inter-urban breaks are maintained and protected between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast," Mr Williams said.
"The draft SEQRP highlights the importance of development in well-serviced areas that are convenient to employment and emphasises the role of public and active transport.
"The draft SEQRP will drive employment growth through an economic blueprint which identifies areas where our emerging knowledge and innovation industries can thrive while also acknowledging our existing strengths in tourism, agriculture and construction."
"We want the SEQRP to be shaped by South East Queenslanders and I encourage the community to have their say during upcoming consultation sessions across the region or online."
Residents across South East Queensland are being called on to have their say on the draft plan with extended public consultation open until 3 March 2017.
There will be 22 community events where residents can talk to a planner during November and December in each of the 12 council areas.
Residents in the electorates of Morayfield or Pumicestone can come and speak with a planner on Saturday 26 November, from 10am to 1pm, at the Caboolture Hub, Hasking St.
For more information on the draft SEQRP, the public consultation and the community events: www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq
