ShapingSEQ is the Queensland Government’s regional plan to shape the future growth of South East Queensland, encompassing the 12 local government areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba (urban extent).

ShapingSEQ sets the framework for how we can respond to our growing and changing region to enhance our communities in a sustainable way, while maintaining the South East Queensland you love.

The South East Queensland Regional Plan, ShapingSEQ, was released in 2017 and, since then, we have experienced unprecedented interstate migration, changes in household situations and significant pressures in the housing market leading to an increase in demand.

As an outcome of the Housing Summit and in response to the National Housing Accord, the Queensland Government is undertaking a targeted review of the existing plan to respond to current housing pressures.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is being prepared in the context of growth and reform that we have not seen for decades.

When done well, growth is an opportunity to expand and enhance our already great communities and support the different needs and lifestyles of all South East Queenslanders.

Growth is the catalyst for creating more education and health facilities, more art and lifestyle precincts, more parks and green spaces, more businesses, jobs and career opportunities.

To make the most of the opportunities that growth provides, it is critical that we plan for it in the right way—to meet the current and future needs of a changing population.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is focused on housing supply and diversity in housing choice, supported by a refreshed approach to economic centres and jobs, biodiversity protection and infrastructure planning.

ShapingSEQ’s 50 year vision is guided by five key themes; Grow, Prosper, Connect, Sustain and Live. Developed during 2017, these themes remain fundamental elements of the plan.

The main focus of the review is under the Grow theme with the themes of Prosper, Connect, Sustain and Live only being reviewed and updated where necessary.

The Grow theme addresses South East Queensland’s rapid population growth, providing more housing choice and integrating infrastructure and connections, while protecting our natural environments.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is based on a nation-leading, data-driven approach to determine land supply which informs housing targets across the region. This approach involves a better understanding of where and how people want to live, integrated with transport planning and consideration of protecting environmental areas and avoiding hazard areas.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update also provides better housing choice for South East Queenslanders by introducing new targets for diversity in housing types. Greater housing choice ensures people who work in key roles in our community, like teachers, nurses, shop assistants and aged care workers, can choose to live close to their place of employment.

The draft Update includes a targeted review of key strategies in context of the significant growth and events our region has experienced since 2017. As an outcome of the Housing Summit and in response to the National Housing Accord, the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update focuses on addressing our rapid population growth, providing more housing choice and integrating infrastructure and connections, while protecting our natural environments.

Some key differences between ShapingSEQ 2017 and the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update are summarised here:

Data-driven planning

o The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is based on a nation-leading approach to data-driven planning.

o We have used data to understand where and how people want to live and integrated this with transport planning, environmental areas and hazard areas to determine housing targets across the region.

o The Model for Urban Land Use and Transport Interaction (MULTI) considers a range of data sources including economics, transport modelling, demographics, and land use planning.

Housing choice

o The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update provides better housing choice for South East Queenslanders by introducing new targets for density and diversity in housing types.

o Lifestyle and housing choices need to be available to people of all ages and abilities. Townhouses, apartments, granny flats and small and large houses all need to be part of the solution.

Housing for everyone

o The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update has a focus on providing housing choice for people to ensure people who work in key roles in our community, like teachers, nurses, shop assistants and aged care workers, can chose to live close to their place of employment.

o The current housing pressures are likely to result in a significant number of workers having to live further away from where their jobs are located. Longer average commutes will likely exacerbate stress and fatigue in industries where levels of both are already high.

To review the changes between the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update and ShapingSEQ 2017, refer to the Summary of Amendments here. (insert hyperlink to www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq )

Since 2017, the Queensland Government has reached achievements under all five key themes in ShapingSEQ, including new communities such as Ripley Valley, new infrastructure such as Cross River Rail and better protection of conservation areas.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update provides specific targets for each theme to assist in its implementation. These targets include home supply, diversity and density targets to provide the framework that will offer Queenslanders more housing choice while responding to housing pressures.

In order to address these challenges presented by unprecedented growth and demand for housing, we need all three levels of government – federal, state and local – to work together and unlock the supply of new homes in existing, well-connected areas.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update will set the direction for the implementation framework, with a view to refine implementation items in collaboration with local governments, industry and the community as the plan moves from draft to final.

The implementation framework to be included in the final ShapingSEQ 2023 Update will aim to provide clear direction on governance, delivery tools and timeframes, as well as how progress will be measured, monitored and reported on. The Growth Monitoring Program (GMP) will continue to monitor and report on measures included in the final version of ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

The ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2023. It will include a summary of the updates that have been made to the draft.

Yes, these are known as ‘SEQ regulatory provisions’. These are found in the Planning Regulation 2017 (Planning Regulation). The specific focus of the changes in the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update fall under Schedule 10, Parts 15 and 16, along with the corresponding definitions outlined in Schedule 24 of the Planning Regulation.

Changes to Part 15 relate to Major Development Areas and Major Enterprise and Industrial Areas. Changes to Part 16 relate to providing a clearer process for identifying targeted areas exempt from rural subdivision prohibitions, tourist activity, residential care facilities and various urban activities provisions.

For more information, refer to ShapingSEQ 2023 Update Regulation amendment consultation paper contained within the Key documents section on the home page: www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq

ShapingSEQ focuses on strategies to strengthen communities and the economy by delivering integrated land use and transport planning. This integration is essential, as it improves connectivity and accessibility within the region, ultimately enhancing how we all live, work and play.

To facilitate this, tyhe Queensland Housing Summit required the development of a new South East Queensland (SEQ) regional infrastructure plan to manage regional growth and service provision in SEQ. Due to the urgency of addressing housing pressures in Queensland, the scope of the SEQ Infrastructure Plan was revised to fast-track the delivery of a targeted SEQ Infrastructure Supplement (SEQIS).

SEQIS is a targeted supplement that services the growth and housing supply of the region by being prepared in conjunction with and aligning to the ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

The draft SEQIS is being released in support of the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update but does not have statutory consultation requirements. Due to the nature of infrastructure planning, it will be finalised with local governments and other state government agencies. The final SEQIS will be delivered by the end of 2023. It will provide clearly aligned infrastructure planning strategies to address housing pressures and maximise the opportunity of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update reinforces the need to adjust our transport approach to achieve a more sustainable, healthy and accessible transport system.

Embracing more walking, cycling and public transport solutions will help reduce the environmental footprint of the transport system while improving connectivity for our communities. The draft Update prioritises building a high frequency public transport network, promoting active transport and investing in region-shaping infrastructure projects. Transport projects are outlined within the Connect theme as part of the region-shaping infrastructure list.

As an outcome of ShapingSEQ 2017, the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy 2020-2025 provides strong koala protections. Regulations implemented in 2020 increased planning controls that protect high-quality koala habitat from the impacts of clearing, with high quality mapping across SEQ introduced to ensure long-term sustainability of SEQ’s koala habitat and population.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update continues to protect the region’s biodiversity. Priorities within the Sustain theme include protecting and enhancing South East Queensland’s biodiversity corridors and taking a regional focus to maintaining the natural environment, key habitat and native wildlife.

The 2022 Queensland Government Housing Summit set out a range of actions to address the housing needs of Queenslanders. One of the commitments included an update to the South East Queensland Regional Plan, ShapingSEQ 2017, to increase land and housing supply.

The lack of diversity in housing choice across the region is one of the key contributors to the current housing pressures being experienced.

Housing options will vary depending on the community in which you live. Local government will plan to provide the most appropriate ways housing diversity can be achieved in local communities. This will not only increase the number of houses available to meet the demand but will also offer more choice to people in where and how they live.

In addition, ShapingSEQ identifies areas that can accommodate greater density and more types of homes. The plan also outlines areas of urban footprint expansion where long-term land supply shortages have been identified.

Pinpointing these areas within ShapingSEQ will help to unlock vital access to additional land and support further housing supply and choice.

Increasing affordable housing is linked to creating greater housing supply, choice and diversity in order to increase the safe and secure housing options available to low and moderate income earners.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update has a combined target of 20% social and affordable housing in the development of new homes across South East Queensland. This target will enable and drive government, the private sector and community housing providers to bring forward greater volumes of social and affordable housing more efficiently and cost-effectively.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is just one mechanism used to plan for future housing affordability. The Update is supported by a number of federal and state government policies and incentives that can be applied to encourage the delivery of housing affordability.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update is focused on growing jobs across the region, creating more jobs where people live and identifying the infrastructure required to support economic growth.

Through the Prosper theme, the draft Update introduces a new regional strategic approach to employment and industrial land in South East Queensland. Key areas of the region are now approaching a critical shortfall of available industrial land. A region-wide focus, rather than a local government area focus, is critical to achieving many of the region’s goals relating to jobs creation, economic growth and innovation.

The draft Update has strengthened provisions around protecting industrial areas, as well as proposed changes to Regional Economic Clusters and a centre hierarchy where evidence suggested that strengthening around these areas was required.

The Update also strengthens provisions for employment and industrial land in specific areas within South East Queensland – these areas have been identified in Chapter 3, Part C, Sub-regional directions.

Land use means the purpose to which the land is committed. ShapingSEQ represents three core land use categories, which are defined below.

Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area (RLRPA): Is an area that provides important values that help sustain the region, socially, economically and environmentally. This area protects the values of this land from encroachment by urban and rural residential development, protects natural assets and regional landscapes, and ensures their sustainable use and management. The RLRPA also supports development and economic growth of rural communities and industries.

Urban Footprint: Identifies land within which the region’s urban development needs will be met in a way that is consistent with the goals, elements and strategies of ShapingSEQ.

Rural Living Area (RLA): Identifies areas for consolidated rural residential development in suitable locations providing for housing and lifestyle choice, while limiting the impact of its inefficient use of land on other values, functions and opportunities in a region.

Regional Land Use Category changes have occurred as part of the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update to support the projected demand for supply when and where it is needed. An area of approximately 3,250 ha has been added into the Urban Footprint for the draft.

This includes the transition of two Potential Future Growth Areas identified in ShapingSEQ 2017 that are now proposed within the Urban Footprint – Elimbah and Southern Thornlands. Smaller, additional areas have been included in the Urban Footprint throughout Brisbane, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Redland, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

No Urban Footprint has been removed within the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

This concept supports the principle of minimising urban sprawl to protect the environment, while maximising the use of existing services and infrastructure.

There are various reasons why someone’s request for the inclusion of their land in the Urban Footprint was not supported. These may include:

o values and constraints on the land such as protected vegetation including wildlife habitat, productive agricultural land, topography, flooding, or future infrastructure requirements not being identified

o the inability to service the land with cost-effective infrastructure such as water or sewers

o potential conflict with established rural uses

o conflict with local government strategic planning intentions

o there is still significant urban land supply in a local area over a 25-year horizon.

As a high-level strategic planning document, ShapingSEQ provides direction to local government for their planning schemes about how growth is to be managed across the region. It doesn’t specify zonings, the height of buildings or how my street will develop over time for instance, but rather provides more broad directions about how growth will be accommodated, how many dwellings need to be planned and what key regional values need to be protected.

It remains the responsibility of local governments (Councils), in consultation with their communities, to determine how these broader strategies are reflected in local planning and development outcomes. This includes determining the appropriate form and distribution of densities that are delivered through their planning schemes and neighbourhood plans.

‘Gentle density’ development refers to the idea of accommodating population within established suburbs, rather than expanding greenfield developments on the fringes of cities. ‘Gentle density’ development could mean small studios or Fonzie flats, duplexes, row or terrace houses, triplexes or low-rise townhouses. This is an incremental approach to density to provide more housing choice, while avoiding abrupt changes in scale, density, or character of existing communities.

ShapingSEQ identifies areas that can accommodate greater density and more types of homes. These ‘high amenity areas’ are already supported by key features such as activity centres, education facilities, community facilities, high frequency public transport and green spaces.

This means higher density growth in areas well serviced by infrastructure and located near supporting services.

Outside of these high amenity areas, there will be an incremental approach to density to provide more housing choice, while avoiding abrupt changes in scale, density, or character of existing communities. The plan also allows for local governments to identify additional high amenity areas that align with the criteria set out within the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

A Major Development Area is an area that has been identified for future homes or employment opportunities but due to its size and complexity, needs a collaborative effort by state, local government and industry to facilitate its development. Major Development Areas serve the purpose of restricting further development, including subdivision activities, in order to safeguard against premature or ad-hoc development that could compromise the area before appropriate planning and investigations can take place.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update identifies four new Major Development Areas including Elimbah, Stapylton, West Toowoomba and Yandina East. Beerwah East will continue to be identified as a Major Development Area.

A Potential Future Area is an area outside of the Urban Footprint that may be suitable for future urban growth, subject to further investigation and dwelling supply analysis as determined by the Queensland Government. These areas are not needed to accommodate the dwelling supply benchmarks or employment planning baselines of ShapingSEQ, and do not represent a development commitment.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update identifies four new Potential Future Growth Areas (PFGAs) including North Harbour, Stapylton, Westbrook and Highfields.

PFGAs for Elimbah and Southern Thornlands are proposed to be transitioned to Urban Footprint and are no longer identified as PFGAs.

PFGAs for Mount Kynoch and Meringandah/Kleinton have been removed.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update continues to protect the northern and southern inter-urban breaks identified in ShapingSEQ 2017. As a key implementation action under ShapingSEQ 2017, DSDILGP has been progressing work with Moreton Bay Regional Council and Sunshine Coast Council to determine the extent of the Northern Inter-urban Break (NIUB) boundary. The result of this work is the identification of a cadastral boundary for most of the area which has been included in the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

As part of the review, the Queensland Government has created opportunities for local governments in South East Queensland to provide meaningful feedback on how growth is to be managed across the region. The Queensland Government has done this via a number of methods including workshops and one-on-one sessions with local governments. These sessions will continue from draft to final.

Through forums such as the Industry Reference Group, the Queensland Government has invited industry stakeholders to contribute their ideas on managing growth. These sessions will also continue over the consultation period and will inform finalisation of the plan.

The draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update sets the narrative to progress the implementation assurance framework. However, the final direction of the implementation assurance framework will be resolved in collaboration with local governments from draft to final.

The final ShapingSEQ 2023 Update implementation framework will provide clear direction on governance, delivery tools and timeframes, as well as how progress will be measured, monitored and reported on.

Community members can have your say on the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update in a variety of ways.

o Review the plan and participate in our online consultation via www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq

o Talk to a planner online. Places are limited and advance bookings are required via www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq

o Attend the in-person community sessions in your local council area. To check details of the session in your area, visit www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq or call 13QGOV (13 74 68)

o Make a submission online, via email or post.

Feedback received will be considered in finalising the ShapingSEQ 2023 Update and also for future initiatives concerning population growth and housing supply.

A submission can be made in response to the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update. Lodge a completed submission with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP), via one of the following methods:

• Online via www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq and go to ‘Make a submission’
• By email to ShapingSEQSubmissions@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
• Via post to either the Minister of Planning, ShapingSEQ 2023 Update Project Team or Personnel in the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, PO Box 15009, City East QLD 4002

Before lodging a submission, please check you have done the following:

• Each submission is signed by all persons making the submission
• Clearly stated what aspects of the plan you support or oppose and why
• Included the name and preferred correspondence address or email of each person who is making the submission.

All lodged submissions will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.

The project team will review and consider all properly made submissions in the finalisation of the plan.

A consultation summary report will be made publicly available with the final plan’s release that sets out the issues raised during consultation events, as well as a separate report about items raised in submissions. Both these reports will note how the plan has considered this feedback.

You can talk-to-a-planner online or in-person during the consultation period.

The online talk-to-a-planner sessions provide residents, business owners, community groups and industry professionals with the opportunity to discuss the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update.

You can book your online talk-to-a-planner session via our consultation website www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq. Each session is a 20-minute one-on-one online meeting with a planner familiar with your local region.

After you have selected a time and filled out your details, you will be sent an automatic mobile ticket from Eventbrite securing your time slot.

Following this, an email from ShapingSEQBookings@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au will be sent with a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation for your session. This will be how you join the online session with your planner.

When it is time for your session, simply click on the link from the email and join the call with the planner. Please have all relevant supporting information close by for your session.

If you do not receive an email with a Teams meeting invitation or can no longer attend your session, please email ShapingSEQBookings@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.

To talk to a planner in-person, simply attend one of our in person events scheduled in each local government council area during the consultation period. To view locations and times, please visit our consultation website www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq.

Maps included within the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update have been updated to incorporate the latest available data, and have also been re-styled aligned to the new look and feel of the draft plan.

Maps are available within the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update Regional Plan. Individual map PDFs, online interactive mapping of key layers and a data download package are also available on the website: www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq.

The map data download pack is housed on this consultation website under Key documents. Key documents can also be found at the bottom of the home page or in the top navigation tab "Key documents". The data download is the last file under our Map and data download section.

To review a copy of the draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update and participate in consultation, visit www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq

If you would like to attend a consultation session in your local government (Council) area, check the schedule of sessions here or call 13QGOV (13 74 68).