Regional Plan says Go West

An increased proportion of South East Queensland’s future growth will be accommodated in the region’s western corridor under the Draft South East Queensland Plan 2009–2031 released today.

Made up mostly of the Ipswich City local government area, the western corridor is characterised by large tracts of land suitable for urban development.

“SEQ’s population is heavily urbanised and is generally concentrated along the coast between Noosa and Coolangatta,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas.

“In a continuation of the policy introduced in 2005, when the SEQ Regional Plan was first released, the intention is to reduce the development pressures on the coast by encouraging growth in the western corridor.

“We are doing this by giving priority to infrastructure and services in the western corridor, which is attracting new residents, businesses and industry to places like Springfield, Ripley and Swanbank.

“Because this corridor is relatively undeveloped, it allows us to masterplan whole communities—to ensure we get the balance right in terms of housing, jobs, transport and social infrastructure.

“An estimated 116,000 new dwellings will be required in Ipswich City by 2031.

“In 2006, Ipswich City accounted for just over 4.5 per cent of all dwellings in South East Queensland.

“However, its share of new dwellings over the next 20 years or so will be nearly 16 per cent, illustrating the dramatic increase in the proportion of SEQ’s growth that will be accommodated in the western corridor.

The major broadhectare growth areas are at Springfield, South Redbank Plains, Ripley Valley.

Ebenezer, an existing regional business and industry area, has also been designated an urban growth area.

A proposed employment and enterprise area at Purga has been added to the Urban Footprint.

“Purga has the potential to be developed as an extension to the Amberley Aerospace and Defence Support Centre and as an inland port, including logistics, distribution, warehousing and associated activities.

“The timely provision of transport infrastructure will be vital to lead the planned growth of the western corridor, including the upgrading of the Ipswich motorway and rail line, and improved road and rail access to Springfield.

“Although the western corridor is destined to grow significantly, the draft regional plan protects its rural landscape and regional production area from incompatible urban development, including rural–residential.

“However, in a significant shift from the original regional plan, there is now greater flexibility for tourist and rural enterprise activities in this area.”

For more information call 1800 070 609 (freecall) or visit www.dip.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868