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Ipswich residents encouraged to have a say on ShapingSEQ

21 August 2023

Consultation is now open for Ipswich to provide feedback on the Queensland Government’s plan for the future growth of South East Queensland, the draft ShapingSEQ 2032 Update.

ShapingSEQ, the SEQ Regional Plan, is the State Government’s framework for delivering efficient urban and rural residential growth, a more compact urban form, economic clusters and the protection and sustainable use of the region’s natural assets, landscape and productive rural areas.

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council encourages Ipswich residents to review the draft update and have their say at a community session being held in Nicholas Street Precinct on 26 August.

“It is the role of the Queensland Government to ensure we are prepared to accommodate the growth expected in the south-east in the coming decades, and where that growth will occur,” Mayor Harding said.

“Our city’s population is forecast to double in size in coming decades and will see our communities grow and change during this time. It is important those with questions or concerns around how this growth and development will take shape have their say on the SEQ Regional Plan update.

“Council will also undertake its own review of the Draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update and will share our views with the Queensland Government on what it means for Ipswich.

“The draft update to the South East Queensland Regional Plan is largely consistent with council’s work on the new planning scheme, but we will examine it closely before making a submission on behalf of the community.

“Queensland Government planners will be in Ipswich at council’s administration building, 1 Nicholas Street, from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 26 August to answer residents’ questions and collect feedback.

“Alongside my fellow SEQ Mayors, I have also asked the Queensland Government to consider at least one extra community session to ensure all residents have an opportunity to put their views forward on this important document.”

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said key areas for Ipswich City Council to consider would be the marked increase to dwelling supply required as well as housing diversity targets.

“The Draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update calls for an increase in the diversity of housing for our community, particularly within existing neighbourhoods,” Cr Tully said.

“Referred to as ‘gentle density’, this typically involves the construction of low to medium rise dwellings that can increase density and housing options without abruptly changing or overwhelming the existing community.

“Whilst this involves the reduction or loss of some of our big back yards, it also provides vital housing in areas that already have services and amenities.

“Diversification of housing supply has been highlighted as key to improving housing affordability across South East Queensland, and council will consider how this can best be incorporated into our communities across the city.”

During the statutory consultation period, residents can have their say on the Draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update in a variety of ways:

For more information on the Queensland Government’s Draft ShapingSEQ 2023 Update visit: ShapingSEQ.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au.