Reducing urban sprawl

THE Queensland Government is aiming to reduce Brisbane’s urban sprawl with high density development, as part of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe says the plan is about managing growth and not just accommodating it.

Expectations are that the region’s population will swell to 4.4 million in the next 22 years.

“Southeast Queenslanders have made it very clear they want their open spaces protected not plundered,’’ says Hinchcliffe.

“They simply won’t accept urban sprawl that eats away at the region’s green lungs and impacts on our enviable way of life.”

He says in order to meet growth and continue to protect 85 per cent of the region from urban development, the plan would promote infill development in areas with existing infrastructure.

“Brisbane is expected to take 21 per cent of the new dwellings — which equates to 156,000 homes,” he says.

“This will ensure development occurs within the urban footprint in locations that provide ready access to infrastructure and services — especially those that help to reduce car dependency.

“Ensuring a mix of housing choices is available will also help to improve housing affordability across the region.”