Redland City Council has confirmed the key matters and policy positions it will request the Queensland Government consider as part of the review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ 2023).
Once finalised, ShapingSEQ will be the statutory regional plan for south-east Queensland and, as such, Council must ensure its City Plan aligns with the final document.
Planning and Regulation portfolio representative Cr Rowanne McKenzie said one of the recommendations endorsed at this week’s General Meeting was to advocate for a full-scope review rather than limiting it to only five of the 17 State interests – housing supply, agriculture, development and construction, mining and extractive resources, and tourism.
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“A full review would ensure that the pursuit of housing delivery and economic growth considers other State interests that are important to the Redlands Coast community, such as environmental protection, infrastructure coordination and hazard resilience,” Cr McKenzie said.
“All the State interests have a vital role in ensuring that land use planning achieves the purpose of the Planning Act, which is to establish a framework for planning, development assessment and dispute resolution to achieve ecological sustainability.
“Limiting the review could potentially exclude key considerations that are fundamental to achieving sustainable, serviced, safe and fiscally responsible growth across south-east Queensland.”
Cr McKenzie said Council was also advocating to maintain the current urban footprint, where possible, to protect the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area and deliver a more compact urban form.
“The Queensland Government has requested Council nominate land parcels where this classification should change,” she said.
“Council will reaffirm its position that the city has substantial dwelling capacity and there is no need to expand the urban footprint or identify new growth areas to accommodate additional residential development.
“There is still work to be done in relation to the supply of land for industrial and employment purposes and, if a shortfall exists, Council recommends priority should be given to investigating opportunities to accommodate such land within the urban footprint, including within the Southern Thornlands PDA.”
Cr McKenzie said Council would also make recommendations regarding infrastructure planning and delivery.
“Infrastructure must keep pace with development,” she said.
“It is not possible to accommodate the future growth envisioned in ShapingSEQ 2023 without a commitment from the Queensland Government to upgrade the requisite infrastructure networks.”
Council will also provide feedback regarding koala protection, engagement and public consultation, population projections, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island, and a review of the Planning Scheme.
The review allows for a Council planning officer to be seconded part-time into the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.
“This secondment will allow Council officers to provide strategic input into key policy decisions during the ShapingSEQ 2023 review,” Cr McKenzie said.
“Importantly, once the review is complete there will also be an opportunity for the community to provide feedback before the document is finalised.”
