Redland City Council says the Queensland Government’s long-term housing strategy, ShapingSEQ Regional Plan, will require a strong infrastructure commitment from the state for its proposals in Redlands Coast to proceed.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council has previously advised the Government that a new regional plan would have to be supported by requisite upgrades to the relevant state infrastructure networks.
“This is particularly relevant to the Southern Thornlands area which the Queensland Government has put into the Regional Plan to be included in the urban footprint,” Cr Williams said.
“This is despite Redland City’s strong objection to further growth without infrastructure commitment.
“At a minimum, it would be reasonable to expect the SEQ Infrastructure Supplement to identify additional emergency and education facilities, public transport infrastructure and critical upgrades to Boundary, Duncan, and Mount Cotton roads to support growth in this area.
“However, there is no mention of supporting infrastructure for Southern Thornlands in the SEQIS.”
The ShapingSEQ plan has defined the 900+ha Southern Thornlands area as a “SEQ development area … (that) will provide for both housing diversity and supply as well as business and industry within the Redland LGA”.
Cr Williams said the area was anticipated to accommodate approximately 15,000 new residents, as well as industrial and commercial enterprises.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the ShapingSEQ Regional Plan also failed on a regional scale to provide the funding, or a commitment to delivering the infrastructure ahead of the growth it predicted.
“It is a 20-year plan for 2.2 million new people and 900,000 new homes with a supporting infrastructure plan that only has four years of committed funding,” Cr Schrinner said.
Cr Williams said that under the Queensland Government’s Plan, the Redlands Coast population is forecast to grow from 161,700 (estimated residential population in 2021) to 212,000 by 2046. This is an increase of 50,300 residents, representing 31% growth.
The number of dwellings on Redlands Coast is forecast to grow from 65,000 in 2021 to 85,000 by 2046. This is an increase of 20,000 dwellings, representing 31% growth on 2021 figures.
“For Redlands Coast, we need to see a funding commitment to deliver key transport infrastructure upgrades such as the busway extension to Capalaba, rail line duplication to Cleveland, and upgrades to key parts of the road network that are already congested to support our existing community,” Cr Williams said.
“We also need to see commitments to deliver upgrades and new social infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools and emergency services.”