Scenic Rim’s Growth Management Strategy endorsed at Ordinary Meeting

The Scenic Rim’s award-winning Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy, which provides the framework for the region’s sustainable growth to 2041, has been endorsed by Council.

Recently recognised for its vision and innovation in the Strategic Planning Project category of the Planning Institute of Australia’s 2022 Awards for Planning Excellence Queensland, the Growth Management Strategy dovetails with the timeframes and benchmarks of the current South East Queensland Regional Plan, ShapingSEQ. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the strategy was the product of quality community consultation and rigorous analysis that made it a powerful strategic planning document. 

“While the development of the Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041 was a condition for Queensland Government approval of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme, it now provides a strong basis for further planning, including considerations such as infrastructure needs and timing, as well as ensuring we maintain the diverse and unique character of our many communities across the Scenic Rim,” he said. 

“Within the context of the constantly evolving Queensland planning framework and changing demographic and development trends, there will be ongoing review of the Growth Management Strategy. 

“As new information comes to hand, re-evaluation of the strategy by the Council’s Strategic Planning team will ensure that growth in the Scenic Rim occurs in a way that reflects our region’s current and future needs.” 

The Growth Management Strategy provides for greater diversity in housing in a range of locations, with additional land zoned for residential development to meet dwelling supply benchmarks as well as the changing needs and lifestyles of the Scenic Rim community. 

It provides direction for the planning and prioritisation of growth to 2041, through tailored strategies for particular areas. 

As the principal rural activity centre of the Scenic Rim, Beaudesert is a priority area for the majority of housing and employment growth due to its current and planned infrastructure. This is supported by the major rural activity centre of Boonah and townships, each with their own unique character, including Kalbar, Aratula, Peak Crossing and Harrisville, Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine, Canungra and Kooralbyn.  

“Each of these areas will make a unique contribution towards the future growth of the Scenic Rim,” Mayor Christensen said. 

“In the past decade we have seen steady population growth in our region and, between 2016 and 2021, we have seen an increase in the number of residents from 41,000 to around 44,000. 

“With the Scenic Rim’s population is expected to exceed 67,000 by 2041, Council is required to plan for 11,000 additional dwellings and a minimum of 7,609 new jobs to support that projected growth.” 

While the Bromelton State Development Area has the potential to be a significant generator of industrial employment for the region, its development depends on key infrastructure including upgrades to the Mount Lindesay Highway freight route and the delivery of the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section of the Inland Rail project. 

“I am pleased to see the endorsement of our Growth Management Strategy, which has been recognised for its excellence in strategic planning.  Its completion will also satisfy the Minister's condition of approval for the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020, which required the preparation of the strategy,” Mayor Christensen said. 

“It represents a fit-for-purpose and evidence-based approach to growth planning, having regard to the Scenic Rim's unique position in South East Queensland as a primarily rural region on the urban fringe.”