REDLAND COUNCIL QUESTIONS STATE GOVERNMENT URBAN FOOTPRINT EXPANSION
Redland City Council has questioned the proposed expansion of the Urban Footprint to accommodate the ambitious population and dwelling targets used by the by the Queensland Government to inform the draft SEQ Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ). Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast already had significant dwelling capacity to accommodate population growth to 2046. “There is no evidence to expand the urban footprint or provide new growth areas to accommodate the additional residential growth as this draft plan suggests,” Cr Williams said. “The State Government should support Council in prioritising the delivery of the critical state infrastructure the Redland community is already crying out for, including major road upgrades, enhanced public transport, and improvements to emergency services, health care and schools. “This approach will ensure our City can continue to grow with the majority of new dwellings being provided in proximity to existing jobs, services, public transport, and lifestyle opportunities. “Continuing to identify new growth outside the existing urban footprint without any commitments to critical state infrastructure raises serious concerns in maintaining our region’s liveability.” Council’s formal submission to the Queensland Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning on the draft Regional Plan, further outlines the key matters, concerns and policy positions that Council believes must be considered as part of the ShapingSEQ review. Cr Williams said that once finalised, ShapingSEQ will be the statutory regional plan for the south-east Queensland region and a state planning instrument. “As such, Council must ensure that its City Plan aligns with the final ShapingSEQ. It sets a framework for land supply, housing choices, employment opportunities, environmental and amenity factors and lifestyle choices,” she said. “It is vital therefore that ShapingSEQ provides a responsible and balanced plan which commits to delivering the necessary infrastructure required to meet the needs of the current and future Redlands Coast residents.” Cr Williams said ShapingSEQ should reflect Council’s preferred future land use intents for Southern Thornlands, as proposed as part of its planning scheme amendment for the area. “This area is identified by the State in the current Shaping SEQ Regional Plan as an investigation area and has been identified by Council for future employment growth in the city, namely within the Mixed Industry Business Area and Transport Uses precincts, amongst other land uses,” she said. “There is no evidence basis to justify the inclusion of Southern Thornlands in the Urban Footprint for residential purposes and Council’s longstanding policy intent is not to provide for suburban residential development in this locality.” Cr Mark Edwards told The Friendly Bay Islander that the six islands included in the Redlands, would not be impacted by the urban footprint expansion. “Because of septic and sewerage considerations for the islands, they cannot be included in the urban footprint,” he added. The State Government undertook public consultation on the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update from 3 August to 20 September 2023. For more information about the SEQ Regional Plan, go to Shaping SEQ.