Why Qld’s newest suburbs will be more liveable

The State Government has unveiled a blueprint for future communities that will make them the envy of the state for lifestyle.

A BLUEPRINT for future Queensland communities has revealed all new homes will be no more than a five-minute walk from a park.

The new code for neighbourhood design will include five compulsory elements to increase “walkability” and green space.

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There will be an average of one tree every 15m on both sides of streets in future residential developments under new changes made by the State Government.

Under the changes, set to come into effect in the first half of 2020, blocks will have a maximum length of 250m, there will be footpaths on at least one side of residential streets and on both sides of main streets, and there will be connected street patterns that enhance the landscape of local areas.

The changes come after the Government received more than 20,000 submissions during public consultation.

Initially the proposal including removing cul-de-sacs from new developments, but the controversial idea was spiked after an overwhelming response from Queenslanders.

Planning Minister Cameron Dick

Planning Minister Cameron Dick said residents, industry groups and councils all agreed “we could do more to create active and health neighbourhoods for Queenslanders”.

“This is a step in the right direction to enhance quality of life for all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live,” he said.

“These changes prioritise people and walking and will ensure the foundation of neighbourhood design in Queensland is right.”

Mr Dick said yesterday that cul-de-sacs would now be “in the hands of councils to determine standards best suited to their local areas”.

Heart Foundation chief executive Stephen Vines said introducing minimum standards across the state would go a long way towards encouraging residents to be more active.

“It will also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, our single biggest killer, and other chronic conditions,” he said.