Redland City Council has voiced scepticism regarding the proposed expansion of the Urban Footprint aimed at accommodating the ambitious population and dwelling targets outlined in the draft SEQ Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ) by the Queensland Government.
Council’s Concerns
Mayor Karen Williams asserted that Redlands Coast already possesses substantial dwelling capacity to cater to population growth until 2046. She emphasised the necessity for the State Government to prioritise critical state infrastructure, including major road upgrades, enhanced public transport, and improvements in emergency services, healthcare, and schools.
Williams emphasised the importance of aligning the City Plan with the final ShapingSEQ, which she believes should reflect the Council’s preferred future land use intents, particularly in Southern Thornlands.
Questions and Requests Raised
In its submission, the Council also questioned the dwelling capacity figures utilised by the Queensland Government and sought access to the State Government’s Model for Urban Land Use and Transport Interaction (MULTI) modelling for validation, a request yet to be fulfilled.
The draft Regional Plan anticipates a substantial increase in population, with Redlands Coast, expected to accommodate an additional 50,549 residents by 2046, a rise of 31.3 percent. These figures, significantly higher than the previous projections, have raised concerns among the Council members.
For further details on the draft SEQ Regional Plan, visit Shaping SEQ.
