Ambitious growth targets set by the Queensland Government in the draft SEQ Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ) need to be supported by critical infrastructure to maintain the region’s liveability.
That’s the view of Logan City Council as it prepares a submission to the draft document in the coming weeks following endorsement at today’s Ordinary Meeting.
Council will also request access to the government’s modelling to validate population targets, which include a forecast additional 311,300 residents in the City of Logan by 2046 – a significant jump from the current population of 350,740.
The Regional Plan anticipates almost six million people will live in South East Queensland by 2046 and sets a framework for land supply, housing choices, employment opportunities, environmental and amenity factors and lifestyle choices.
Mayor Darren Power said Council had consistently met all housing targets set by the Queensland Government.
“We welcome growth in the city, as long as essential infrastructure is delivered in tandem,” Councillor Power said.
“Emerging neighbourhoods need not only roads, water and sewerage but also social infrastructure such as community centres, libraries and sports fields.
“Unfortunately, infrastructure charges levied to developers are capped by the Queensland Government and do not cover the ever-increasing costs for Council of delivering the essentials.
“As elected members, we often have to find the balance between overcommitting our limited financial resources and making sure our suburbs have what they need at the right time.
“Equally, the Queensland Government needs to continue delivering infrastructure to support transport and jobs.”
Council’s submission will also cover:
- Population projections and affordable housing targets
- Increased employment opportunities required in Logan
- Infrastructure including major road upgrades and public transport
- Proposed planning regulation amendments that could have negative impacts in industrial developments
Cr Power said local government was only one part of the growth and development chain, with economic factors also contributing to population targets.
“We know the development industry is struggling across the region at the moment, so Council is very interested to see how the government believes we can meet the projections over the next 23 years,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to read the Queensland Government’s latest updates and provide input before September 20 because it’s important that all of our community’s voices are heard.
“I also call on our local State MPs to ensure the government considers all submissions. This is far too important to get wrong.”
Council will also need to align its new draft planning scheme – Logan Plan 2025 -with ShapingSEQ.
The new planning scheme, endorsed by Council in August, will be lodged for a mandatory state interest review later this month.
