Blueprint for region’s future available for final review
The Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041 will be available for final public review before being considered for endorsement by Council next month.
The first region-wide strategy to manage the future growth of the region, it aims to protect the region's outstanding natural and environmental features and strong agricultural base, while providing significant tourism, recreation and employment opportunities and was recently updated to reflect 2021 census data.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041, which was a Queensland Government Ministerial Condition of approval for the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020, provided an evidence-based approach to managing the region’s anticipated growth during the next 20 years, while balancing opportunities, impacts and competing priorities.
“With more than 23,000 new residents expected to call the Scenic Rim home in the next 20 years, the Scenic Rim’s population is projected to exceed 67,000 by 2041,” he said.
“The strategy for managing that growth has been framed in the context of the Queensland Government's Shaping SEQ South East Queensland Regional Plan, which requires Council to plan for 11,000 additional dwellings and at least 7,609 new jobs between 2016 and 2041.
“It identifies preferred growth areas, where land will need to accommodate more dwellings in addition to those already provided through the current Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020, as well as opportunities for a greater variety of residential land options and housing styles to meet the lifestyle needs of residents of all ages and stages of life.
“The Scenic Rim region is well positioned to accommodate future housing and employment growth while maintaining the relaxed living and a rural lifestyle that sets it apart from much of South East Queensland.”
The strategy prioritises the Scenic Rim’s natural environment, with initiatives focused on continuing to protect the region’s natural assets and identifying important biodiversity linkages.
It also supports the continued promotion of the region’s strong agricultural and rural production industries, including opportunities for agritourism as a key generator of employment for the Scenic Rim.
For almost two years, the Strategy’s development has included extensive consultation with the Scenic Rim community and Queensland Government, Urban Utilities, and other key stakeholders.
In total, 527 submissions were received during the community consultation on the draft Growth Management Strategy between 2 February and 27 March 2022.
“Community consultation on the draft Growth Management Strategy has been invaluable in gaining an understanding of concerns which helped in refining the proposed growth strategies and their implementation,” Mayor Christensen said.
As key concerns related to the impact of growth on neighbourhood character and the environment and a lack of infrastructure to support planned growth in all areas, the strategy identifies the importance of greater alignment between Council and Queensland Government-led infrastructure planning, including the need to review the Local Government Infrastructure Plan and develop a Transport Strategy.
“Council is grateful to everyone who has participated in consultation, which has been vital in shaping the direction of the growth for our region and welcomes the feedback of the community during this final period of public review,” Mayor Christensen said.
The updated final draft Growth Management Strategy 2041 and the community consultation report can be accessed via Council’s Let's Talk online community engagement platform, letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/ Feedback can be provided directly to the Division Councillors ahead of the Ordinary Meeting to be held on 22 November 2022 that will consider the final draft, or by emailing mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Residents who provided feedback on the draft Growth Management Strategy will receive correspondence with a unique reference number to identify how their submissions have been addressed in the consultation report.