Queensland’s 50-year vision for its southeast must take heed of all region’s future needs

Colin Russo writes in The Conversation (14.6.16) about the state government’s proposal and call for submissions to revise the Southeast Queensland regional plan. With the government looking to cast planning projections over the next 50 years of development in SEQ, the author ponders the role of ‘futures thinking’ in state planning arrangements.

‘The Queensland government recently launched a call for ideas to shape a revised plan for the future of Southeast Queensland.

‘The deputy premier and minister for infrastructure, local government and planning, Jackie Trad spoke recently of the opportunities for Southeast Queenslanders to grow communities sustainably and protect the region’s amenity – its environs, facilities, services and values.

‘This plan will consider consequences for the next 50 years. A 20-year plan will underpin the 50-year vision.

‘However, a long-term plan can’t properly underpin a vision without engaging many of Southeast Queensland’s stakeholders and visitors. It must also use appropriate futures methods to help look ahead 50 years.’

• Queensland’s 50-year vision for its southeast must take heed of all region’s future needs »
• New cities Flagstone and Yarrabilba will rival Cairns’ population, but is infrastructure keeping up? »
• SEQ planning failures cause headaches for fast-growing region »