Good growth in South East Queensland

Good growth in South East QueenslandWith South East Queensland expected to attract two million new residents by 2041, the new regional plan raises questions about how we plan for growth, says Queensland executive director Chris Mountford. In October, the Palaszczuk Government released the draft South East Queensland ­ Regional Plan, which project’s Brisbane’s population to rise by 35 per cent, adding 409,000 people and 458,000 new jobs by 2041.Conversely, Ipswich will gain a similar population boost with 327,000 new residents, but will only gain around 65,000 new jobs. Logan is expected to grow by 277,000 people but just 70,000 new jobs.Speaking at a Property Council forum recently, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Logan Mayor Luke Smith and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale all agreed that the region needed better networks to get people to and from work.To do this, policy and infrastructure must activate the suburban community and encourage more housing near existing employment hubs, Mountford says.”To achieve a sustainable region, we need more jobs closer to homes,” Mountford says.”This the third regional plan for South East Queensland, but the first to look beyond land supply and housing to examine employment needs by local government area.”It’s clear there is a strong disconnect between housing and employment growth. Ipswich and Logan will double their housing stock between now and 2041, but jobs growth won’t keep pace. Whereas within Brisbane City Council, jobs growth will exceed dwellings forecast.”Mountford says the region will need to embrace technological innovation, density and better transport networks – and to support the growth of the Brisbane CBD while also fostering a decentralised employment model.”Brisbane’s CBD will always be the primary economic hub of South East Queensland, but it makes sense to ensure employment growth is fostered in suburban areas and nodes throughout the region to ensure jobs are as close to homes as possible.”This isn’t an either/or equation. We need Brisbane’s CBD to be a strong economic driver, but we should also leverage opportunities in other places too.”Mountford points to the work of Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, who has been pushing for an undersea telecommunications cable to Maroochydore to improve broadband internet. The health precinct being established at Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the expansion of the airport will also support jobs growth.”The Sunshine Coast Council definitely sees the opportunities for jobs and growth, and the positive flow on effects for the entire region,” Mountford says.Other councils are also keen to “leverage their existing assets”. The Mayor of Logan is looking to create a health and knowledge precinct in his bailiwick, and is keen to create a CBD around Springwood to attract big tenants and encourage small businesses.Mountford is also optimistic about the prospects of City Deals for the region.”We have been working closely with councils and the state government for some time to look at how we can foster City Deals to prioritise infrastructure investment that maximises economic and social dividends for the entire South East Queensland region.”The key is to move away from separate pots of money from local, state and federal government and towards coordinated funding across government boundaries to deliver overall benefit.”It’s a huge opportunity.”