Thursday 2 August 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Planning for the region’s future
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the 2023 update of the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP), released today by the Queensland Government.
Property Council Queensland Executive Director Jen Williams said the draft Shaping SEQ plan is an important step in accepting and planning for the significant growth the region will continue to experience over the coming years.
“The draft Plan does not shy away from the scale of the challenge the region faces. By 2046, there will be six million people living in SEQ- that’s more people than currently living in Sydney.
“With 1,600 people moving to SEQ every week and an additional 900,000 new homes needed, each of the region’s 12 local government areas will experience some level of growth over the coming decades.
“For the first time, the draft Plan includes dwelling targets based on housing density and diversity, a move which has been welcomed by the Property Council.
“Household composition and lifestyle needs are changing, while at the same time, affordability of housing continues to decline. This reinforces the need for the region to provide a greater diversity of housing to meet the community’s needs.
“While apartments, townhouses, duplexes and purpose-built rental housing are all an important part of this mix, so too is ensuring there continues to be adequate provision of greenfield land.
“Getting the balance of housing diversity right in the overarching plan will be the ultimate challenge for the region, particularly given while policy seeks to drive an uplift in density, the reality of the current construction market means many of these desirable products are not currently feasible to deliver.
“The draft Plan also provides some indication of the infrastructure that will be required to service an increase in population, however certainty around the funding and delivery of this infrastructure will be vital- both for those involved in delivering new housing, as well as existing and growing communities who will rely on it to maintain and improve their quality of life.
“While this may be a state government document, it cannot be delivered without the support of all levels of government, along with the property sector, who will deliver the houses, shops, schools and sheds our region needs to thrive.
“The release of the draft Plan is an important step in aligning key stakeholders and bringing the community on the journey of planning for the future of our region.
“Ultimately, when it comes to housing, SEQ is going to need more of everything, everywhere,” Ms Williams said.
ENDS
Media contact: Bryn Moffatt | 0421 766 613 | [email protected]