A SEQ Development Area is a growth area identified in the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ 2023). These areas are intended to develop and support new urban homes, jobs and services, and they may require significant planning and infrastructure investment from both state and local governments.

To help guide how and when development can occur, SEQ Development Areas are grouped into two categories:

• Category 1 SEQ Development Areas: This category prohibits certain urban development applications, such as subdivision for housing, until detailed planning is completed for land use and infrastructure.

• Category 2 SEQ Development Areas: This category allows urban development applications to be lodged and assessed, as long as they align with the future planning intent outlined in ShapingSEQ 2023. This means development can proceed sooner, provided it aligns and supports the State's long-term vision for the area.

Most of the Elimbah SEQ Development Area is currently classified as Category 1. Currently only 235-245 Bartholomew Road, Elimbah is classified Category 2 by the Queensland Government. These category designations are determined by the Queensland Government and can be amended by the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

ShapingSEQ 2023 outlines that City of Moreton Bay is required to plan for an additional 125,000 new homes by 2046 to support growth in South East Queensland. By 2046, our population is expected to approach 800,000 and reach one million over the next 30-40 years. We are planning for this change, so the needs of our communities are met, and the places we live, work and play continue to be amazing. To support this growth, we need more land for both housing and employment so residents can live and work locally.

Each week an estimated 80,000 residents travel outside the city to work. Creating jobs locally is a key priority for Council and planning for employment and enterprise land ensures we can continue to provide a range of jobs for our existing and future residents to live and work closer to home. Working closer to home reduces road congestion and commute times, which in turn reduces our impact on the environment and improves residents’ quality of life.

The Elimbah SEQ Development Area provides a long-term opportunity to respond to both housing and employment needs.

Council is in the early stages of planning for the Elimbah SEQ Development Area. No decisions have been made yet, and any changes will take time to progress. Council will first consider community feedback before we make any decisions.

Future planning may include changes to the local planning rules. Planning Scheme amendments like this are a statutory process that require State Government approval and will include further opportunity for community feedback. This process may take multiple years to complete.

The Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) is a Queensland Government project being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR). The Queensland Government’s decision on the alignment of Stage 4 of the BHWA will inform planning for the Elimbah SEQ Development Area.

For further information on the BHWA, please refer to the DTMR project website North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative.