How Sunshine Coast Council has planned for future growth

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has welcomed the Queensland Deputy Premier’s release of the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan, which has acknowledged the council’s extensive planning for population growth.

Mayor Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast population was expected to increase from 298,000 to about 495,000 by 2041.

“As part of the SEQ Regional Plan review to accommodate that population growth, the State Government has estimated that the Sunshine Coast will need an additional 99,300 dwellings by 2041,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council and our community have consistently outlined a preferred settlement pattern for the region to 2031 as outlined in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.

“Our population modelling shows the region can ably accommodate more than the required number of dwellings by 2031 including the 27,600 dwellings planned in Palmview and Caloundra South.

“Between 2031 and 2041, the State Government estimates that another 40,000 dwellings will be required of which more than 25,000 will be provided at Maroochydore, Nambour and in the Sunshine Coast Enterprise Corridor.”

Mayor Jamieson said the council’s planning for the region, in partnership with the Queensland Government, had produced some great results for the future of the Sunshine Coast community.

“Following strong and consistent advocacy by council, the draft SEQ Regional Plan identifies Beerwah East in the Urban Footprint – a preferred location for long term growth,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Beerwah East will provide public transport connections and routes and the additional 10,000 to 20,000 dwellings required to meet the predicted population growth to 2041 and beyond.

“The draft SEQ Regional Plan also provides for some growth in smaller townships such as Glasshouse Mountains, Landsborough, Palmwoods, Yandina and Bli Bli,

“For many of these towns, this recognises their suitability for urban growth given they are located on the North Coast Rail Line transport corridor.

“As well as providing increased housing on the Sunshine Coast, it allows these townships to continue to grow.”

The draft SEQ Regional Plan also supports the council’s efforts to achieve an offshore cable protection zone and landing point for an international broadband submarine cable connection, which would make the Sunshine Coast the first regional centre in Australia to provide direct broadband connectivity to global markets.

The Sunshine Coast Airport is also recognised as an area of regional economic significance in the draft plan.

“Another important first step is the mapping and clear identification of a large part of the regional inter-urban break straddling the Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast local government areas,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council welcomes an action item in the draft SEQ Regional Plan that indicates the State Government will work with Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast councils to determine the extent of the northern inter-urban break and identify additional means to secure it for the long term.

“Our council and our community wants the inter-urban break preserved in its current scale in perpetuity.

“The inter-urban break helps define Sunshine Coast as distinct from, but connected to, the rest of South East Queensland.

“It helps protect the Pumicestone Passage water quality, provides unique tourism and recreation opportunities for the whole of SEQ, and provides a significant contribution to our economy through valuable agricultural and forestry activities.

“This is too important an asset to see it further reduced – which is why council will not support Halls Creek  – to the south of Aura – for future urban development.

“We have a comprehensive plan to accommodate growth and ensure the inter-urban break is protected.

“We have had that plan for some time and now we need our residents’ support to ensure that plan becomes a reality - not just for everyone today, but for future generations that come after us.

“Planning for our growth is critical to protecting our coastal lifestyle, our outstanding natural assets, character and identity, ensuring we have employment and economic opportunities for our residents in the future,” he said.

“Thanks to well considered and logical planning our community will continue to enjoy the Sunshine Coast we all know and love.

“From our beaches and foreshore areas to our magnificent hinterland, our council is planning a future where our children and grandchildren will be as fortunate as we are to call Sunshine Coast home.”

Sunshine Coast residents can view the draft SEQ Regional Plan online at www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq  or talk to a State Government planner at a drop in session at Caloundra and Maroochydore.

·         Saturday, November 19, 10am-1pm CCSA Hall, Caloundra

·         Wednesday  November 30, 10am-1pm. Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore