Southeast Queensland City Deal: How it compares to Future SEQ 20-point plan
An ‘ambitious’ City Deal proposal to guide southeast Queensland’s growth delivers on many of the priorities identified in a 20-point Future SEQ plan. SEE HOW THEY COMPARE
Future QLD
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AN “AMBITIOUS” $58 billion City Deal proposal to guide southeast Queensland’s growth delivers on many of the priorities identified by The Courier-Mail’s Future SEQ series.
From dramatic improvements to the public transport system to boosting future industries, and improving planning and delivery of new residential mini-cities, the new blueprint addresses some of the key issues facing the region over the next quarter of a century.
The TransformingSEQ document prepared by the Palaszczuk Government and SEQ Council of Mayors is designed to provide the foundation for a City Deal, which would also include the Federal Government. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has given his support.
It would lock all three levels of government into an agreed set of priority infrastructure projects and other initiatives to tackle congestion, turbocharge economic development, and protect liveability as the southeast corner’s population jumps from 3.5 million to 5.5 million.
Many of the 35 “opportunities” identified in the proposal closely reflect the 20-point action plan, which was developed through public discussion and ideas generated by the Future SEQ campaign investigating the challenges and possibilities lying ahead of the region.
While the TransformingSEQ report does not specifically mention the rapid-rail proposal previously put forward by the SEQ Council of Mayors, it has the same goal – to enable commuters to get across the same city in 30 minutes, and from anywhere in the region to Brisbane within 45 minutes.
Investment in digital infrastructure to boost our position as an innovation hub, and developing world-leading industries such as advanced manufacturing and agribusiness feature strongly.
One key action point not addressed in the report is the call to secure the 2032 Olympics Games for the region. But a feasibility report on mounting a bid, prepared for the SEQ Council of Mayors, is expected later this month.
HOW THEY MATCH UP A shared strategy
Future SEQ: All levels of government to reach agreement on infrastructure and economic development priorities for the next 15 to 20 years, including timeframes and funding.
TransformingSEQ:The State Government and SEQ Council of Mayors have compiled a detailed City Deal proposal that would include a prioritised program of projects and policy reforms, and identifies responsibilities for funding. The Morrison Government yesterday agreed to support it.
RAPID RAIL
Future SEQ: Construct a rapid-rail network so passengers can travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba in 45 minutes or less.
TransformingSEQ: Create a 45- minute region by delivering the next wave of public transport projects beyond the Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro to connect key activity and growth centres. Includes Sunshine Coast high-frequency public transport services from Maroochydore to Caloundra to Beerwah. Possible later addition of Toowoomba corridor.
REGIONAL AUTHORITY
Future SEQ: Investigate establishing an independent body tasked to co-ordinate regional planning and deliver major infrastructure.
TransformingSEQ: Establish a new tripartite Regional Coordination Board to support strategic governance and lift cooperation and coordination between levels of government; and set up a new tripartite Liveability Fund to invest in tailored projects to improve recreational public and open space.
BUST CONGESTION
Future SEQ: Develop a prioritised timeline and funding program for new and upgraded major roads with traffic volume benchmarks to commence construction.
TransformingSEQ: An SEQ transport infrastructure partnership to co-ordinate between levels of government; and a package of upgrades to key strategic roads.
RAIL PRIORITIES
Future SEQ: Protect corridors for priority future rail routes including new lines to high-population growth areas such as Greater Flagstone, Ripley and the Sunshine Coast; and a freight line from Acacia Ridge to the Port of Brisbane – and set out a funding and delivery timeline.
TransformingSEQ: Deliver key missing links in the network including: Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade; Salisbury to Flagstone (and ultimately Beaudesert) line; extension of the transport corridor to Ripley Valley.
Plus: Connect Inland Rail to the Port of Brisbane to supercharge an SEQ Trade and Enterprise Spine between Toowoomba and the Australia TradeCoast.
MORE METRO
Future SEQ: Commit to extending the Brisbane Metro network north to Bracken Ridge, south to Springwood, east to Capalaba and west to Kenmore and Centenary Suburbs, with a funding and delivery timeline.
TransformingSEQ: Eastern Busway extension to Carindale (and ultimately Capalaba) to support Metro expansion; Northern Busway extension to Chermside and bus priority to Bracken Ridge to support Metro expansion; South East Busway extension to Springwood to support Metro expansion.
PLAN FOR GROWTH
Future SEQ: Ensure master-planned residential communities in outer urban areas have clear strategies for public transport, employment creation, and access to local health, education and community facilities.
TransformingSEQ: Develop Growth Area Infrastructure Compacts to better guide provision of infrastructure and services for major new residential communities; and a more integrated approach to land use planning across levels of government.
THE MISSING MIDDLE
Future SEQ: Encourage the development of a greater diversity of home types and sizes. Require designs to reflect the sub-tropical climate and neighbourhood character.
TransformingSEQ: Innovative housing solutions, including tax treatment, to increase housing choices and affordability including rentals; and embed great urban design, suited to the climate and geography.
PRIORITISE PRECINCTS
Future SEQ: Use public transport corridors and new stations to prioritise the development of high-density residential/commercial/knowledge and education/health hubs.
TransformingSEQ: Deliver the next wave of public transport projects to connect key activity and growth centres.
FUTURE INDUSTRIES
Future SEQ: Fast-track a robotics cluster and dedicated future industry hubs in sectors where the region has identified potential to become a world leader: Advanced manufacturing (including defence), agribusiness, international health and education services, transport and logistics, and tourism and creative industries.
TransformingSEQ: Develop the advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in defence; grow the existing $3 billion agribusiness sector; boost trade in health and education services by developing innovation precincts; increase transport and communications industries including freight facilities; and grow tourism and creative industries.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FutureSEQ: Invest heavily in improving digital infrastructure to attract and support high-tech industries.
TransformingSEQ: Develop a long-term digital infrastructure action plan to boost high-value knowledge jobs; and establish SEQ as Australia’s leading Smart Digital Region. This will be done by using a new international broadband submarine cable to the Sunshine Coast to deliver a digital trade hub and invest in region-wide digital infrastructure.
BAY WATCH
Future SEQ: Develop a comprehensive plan to encourage tourism in Moreton Bay and its islands.
TransformingSEQ: Grow tourism including lifting visitor numbers to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island.
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