SEQ must be ready to house 2.2m more people by 2046

The Queensland government has released a new regional plan for SEQ called ShapingSEQ 2023, in order to prepare the region for a massive influx of new residents over the next two decades.

With over 2 million newcomers expected to set up home in SEQ by 2046, the area – which includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba – needs fast action on housing supply.

“Queensland’s golden decade of growth means that we need more homes than ever before,” said new Premier Steven Miles.

“ShapingSEQ is our response to the national housing supply challenge, ensuring we deliver more homes while preserving our region’s great lifestyle.”

ShapingSEQ provides a planning framework for almost 900,000 new homes that the state intends to build by the 2040s.

The state government reported that it tries to balance the need for housing supply with the local SEQ community’s values and priorities, including environmental protection, affordability, and lifestyle.

As Mr Miles emphasised: “It’s not just about more homes but making sure that [it’s] what South-East Queenslanders want, strategically located to meet their needs, reduce costs, and increase affordability.”

The plan includes a commitment to 20 per cent social and affordable housing for new homes, both on and off the market.

Dwelling diversity targets have also been set for each local government area to deliver the most appropriate blend of housing types for that area’s growth profile.

“For the first time, the plan includes dwelling diversity subtypes for local governments to deliver the right of housing,” shared Mr Miles.

Higher-density dwelling types, such as units and town houses, will be located in hotspot areas close to infrastructure and public transport, while 5,000 new greenfield hectares have been added in strategic areas like Rochedale, Ipswich, and Toowoomba.

The government also identified Highlands and Wellcamp in Toowoomba, Stapylton in the Gold Coast, and Buccan in Logan as potential areas for future growth.

As housing expands, the state government also intends to provide work opportunities close to where people live, by ensuring an adequate supply of industrial and employment land. By “growing up rather than out”, the plan aims to reduce travel times for residents and protect the natural environment.

An SEQ Infrastructure Supplement has also been included to support future growth, including significant new road and rail projects, while a new Project Management Office has been founded to keep implementation on track.

Greening and cooling initiatives, tree canopy targets, and protection of koala habitats have all been written into the planning framework to protect the local environment.

“It’s a bold plan, and the implementation requires commitment from everyone to deliver more of the South-East Queensland we love,” Mr Miles concluded.