Queensland government reveals ambitious regional plan

More than 34,000 homes will need to be built each year across Queensland’s South East as part of an ambitious plan - but not everyone is happy. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• Boom: Where everyone will live

More than 34,000 homes will need to be built each year across Queensland’s southeast as part of an ambitious plan unveiled by the state government.

A draft update of the Southeast Queensland Regional Plan sets out a target for nearly 900,000 new dwellings by 2046 amid fears a forecasted population surge of 2.2 million will further crunch housing pressures.

News of the plan was met with scepticism by readers, with some questioning if it will come to fruition and why elements weren’t planned earlier.

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The region’s urban framework has been amended after reporting from The Courier-Mail called for the government to update the plan in a bid to address affordability and supply issues underpinning the housing crisis.

The government plans to build 900,000 new dwellings in Brisbane and the South East over the next 13 years. Picture: Brendan Radke

It proposes an overhaul of the urban landscape with new housing diversity targets set for councils to decrease the number of detached houses and significantly increase density through the construction of townhouses and apartment blocks.

Local governments will also be bound by a new target to house Queenslanders in need, with 20 per cent of new stock allocated for social and affordable housing.

The major update, unveiled by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles at an estimates hearing on Tuesday, will require each of the 12 councils to modify local government planning schemes.

“More housing is needed than ever before, and we need a plan that ensures homes are delivered when and where they need to be while also protecting Queensland’s great lifestyle,” he said.

“Our population isn’t just getting bigger; it’s changing, with household sizes, demographics and lifestyle trends shifting.

“We cannot only rely on traditional models and new greenfield development as the answer for housing choice and affordability given what we know about people’s preferences.”

The dwelling target in Brisbane’s local government area will soar by more than 200,000 by 2046 compared to the 2021 regional plan, with Gold Coast needing nearly 160,000 homes added and more than 120,000 in Moreton Bay.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The target for more townhouses and low-rise apartments will increase in all SEQ councils, while the construction of medium and high rise apartments will need to jump in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Redland, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Scanlon said the plan included a goal to build 100,000 more homes near employment hubs and transport.

She also said the new target for social and affordable housing will provide clear expectations for governments and industry to deliver for the projected population jump.

“Importantly, this plan isn’t just about housing affordability, it’s about affordable living,” Ms Scanlon said.

“Making sure the right housing is available, at the right location, to maximise access to local services, transport and jobs is critical.”

The draft plan is open for community consultation across the region.

WHAT YOU SAID

Gman

Perhaps if we had better planning before, we would not have a surprise housing and rental crisis now.

Brian

How can anyone plan that far ahead. I have noticed all governments seem to talk about the never never. Maybe they think that voters will believe they are doing something.

Allan

And pigs will fly. Never going to happen.

Anthony

Again it’s only about SEQ. There’s no need in the regions, apparently. I now think it’s time to split Queensland into two States.

Scrubbed out

Water is a big limitation on such developments. Go back and build that travesty dam on the Mary river. Oh and toowoomba needs one too on the Condamine river which has never been dammed.

William

We are going to need a lot more wind turbines and solar farms for this lot.

Rodney

34000 a year ..hahahaha..please just stop it …be lucky to build 340 a year

Puzzled

Yet another meaningless announcement… like every other piece of BS from this government, I’ll believe it when I see it.

DrewP

There are lies, damn lies and government plans.

Originally published as Queensland government reveals ambitious regional plan