A Regional, Strategic Growth-Management Approach to Urban and Peri-Urban Development in South East Queensland, Australia

The approach and efficacy of South East Queensland’s (Australia) regional planning strategy to manage urban and peri-urban growth is described and discussed from document analysis. Framed within the urban containment paradigm, the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017 establishes specific principles and statutory planning controls to direct the spatial distribution of growth while attempting to preserve natural, cultural and productive landscapes and overall liveability. Identification of desired regional growth patterns, coordinated governance, economic and infrastructure development, and plan monitoring are key attributes of a framework that has generally resulted in acceptable regional outcomes. Nevertheless, a number of challenges remain for containing urban growth and maintaining regional resilience and sustainability amidst continuing growth pressures. This paper highlights three contemporary issues of interest: greater recognition and delineation of peri-urban areas, integration of regional planning and disaster management, and growth management of peri-urban master planned communities. The need for ongoing, independent plan evaluation is also identified.