City of Moreton Bay is home to over 520,000 people and continues to grow and evolve. By 2046, our population is expected to approach 800,000—and reach one million within the next 30 to 40 years. We’re planning ahead so our communities remain vibrant, connected, and well-supported.

The Elimbah SEQ Development Area covers approximately 1,500 hectares of predominantly rural land. In 2016, with the commencement of the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016, an ‘Investigation Area’ was identified over part of the Elimbah suburb, which identified that Council would undertake further investigations into this area to determine its future land uses. More recently the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ 2023) identified the Elimbah SEQ Development Area to support long-term urban housing and employment growth in South East Queensland.

The Elimbah area has a rich history in City of Moreton Bay, known for its rural character, natural areas, and scenic views to the Glass House Mountains. With continued population growth we are seeing more urban development interest in the Elimbah area. It’s important that we plan for how this growth should occur.

Through the Moreton Says survey, we’ve heard the community wants more information about how Council is responding to growth, land use priorities, and State Government planning policies. In response, Council is in the early stages of a planning process to guide the long-term creation of a well-designed and complete community in Elimbah.

As part of this early planning, we want to understand how you’d like to be consulted and hear your thoughts on what this development area means to you—including the opportunities it presents and any concerns you may have


aerial of elimbah

Why has part of Elimbah been identified as a development area?

The Queensland Government has identified the Elimbah SEQ Development Area to support long-term urban housing and employment growth in South East Queensland. The intent is to create future communities that offer a mix of housing types, significant employment opportunities, and access to parks, community facilities and transport. Over time, new homes and businesses may be introduced to meet the needs of the growing population.

The planning process and any future development of the area will consider the following:

  • the location of the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative
  • the availability and delivery of essential infrastructure such as water, sewerage, electricity and transport
  • protection of environmental values
  • planning for natural hazards such as bushfires and flooding.