Green infrastructure projects boost urban sustainability in SEQ

A multi-million-dollar initiative by the Queensland Government and local councils is promoting transformative green infrastructure projects across South East Queensland (SEQ) to mitigate urban heat, foster healthier active lifestyles, and improve green connectivity.

The Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative (the Initiative) is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

The Initiative, a $10 million competitive grant fund for eligible councils, underscores a commitment to sustainable urban development as the region grapples with a rising population and climate change. The urban heat island phenomenon, which raises temperatures in dense urban areas, is a key challenge to be addressed.

The Queensland Government has pledged $10 million, with matched co-contributions from successful SEQ councils required for a total investment of $20 million towards green urban infrastructure projects.

Funding ranges from $1 million to $5 million per project to support projects with the potential to transform urban landscapes.

The Initiative will invest in council-driven projects that:

• enhance access to and provision of active transport infrastructure with green infrastructure features in urban environments for all
• reduce localised urban heat island effects
• support healthy lifestyles through the design of the built environment
• improve urban green connectivity and deliver enhanced urban biodiversity.

Green urban infrastructure refers to networks of functional green spaces, natural systems, and semi-natural systems in our urban areas that provide services to both the community and natural ecosystems. Green infrastructure includes the footpaths, cycleways and public spaces that are cool and shady that South East Queenslanders enjoy and pass through every day.

Such green infrastructure can not only cool urban hotspots but also significantly enhance air quality. Simultaneously it can promote healthy lifestyles, improving the walkability of our communities while increasing green connectivity and urban biodiversity.

The Initiative is now open to eligible councils, with Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 13 December 2024. Projects must be capable of completing construction and planting by 30 June 2027.

One in seven Australians – or around four million people – currently call SEQ home. By 2046, the region’s population is expected to grow to nearly six million.

The SEQ City Deal is delivering a more sustainable and liveable region through over $500 million of proposed investments in urban amenities and blue and green environmental assets.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace:

“The SEQ City Deal is a partnership between three levels of government with the aim of supporting jobs, improving connectivity and preserving and enhancing the SEQ region’s liveability.

“We are looking for projects that demonstrate best practice in green infrastructure delivery and urban design such as street trees and streetscape vegetation, bioswales, green roofs and walls, water sensitive urban design measures, and shade features to improve green connectivity and promote walkability and active transportation.

"Green infrastructure can also include pedestrian paths and cycle ways and other active transport promoting infrastructure where it also provides an increase in urban green cover or applies measures to reduce localised Urban Heat Island Effects.

“We are committed to providing long-term improvements to the social, environmental and economic viability and sustainability of SEQ communities and this funding is another wonderful example of what can be achieved for Queensland when our three levels of government work together.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008