Industry welcomes release of final SEQRP

The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the release of the Queensland Government’s ShapingSEQ- South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017.

The new SEQRP follows the same format as the draft document released in late 2016, however it incorporates some important changes to ensure that regional planning is no longer considered a ‘set and forget’ exercise, according to Chris Mountford, Queensland Executive Director, Property Council of Australia.

“As the Premier announced in her address to the Property Council in late July, the Government will establish a South East Queensland Housing Supply Expert Panel to keep policy makers accurately informed of land supply, housing demand and development information,” Mr Mountford says.

“This announcement followed direct advocacy from the Property Council on the importance of establishing an independent agency to provide a single point of truth for housing data in the region.

“Given the Plan relies on 70% of the ‘fragmented’ land within the urban footprint being developed by 2041, this independent voice will be vital to ensuring we continue to have enough land available to accommodate our growing population.

“During the delivery of its 2017-18 Budget, the Government also announced a $5 million allocation to undertake a strategic assessment of environmental values in SEQ, across all three levels of Government. 

“After long-championing the need for a holistic approach to environmental considerations within the region, the Property Council is pleased to see this work has commenced, and will form an important component of future conversations that help shape the future of regional planning.

“While there is still much to be done, with a clear commitment to ongoing review of the implementation and delivery of the SEQRP, the Property Council looks forward to continuing our positive work with the Government to make the plan a reality.”