Since 2001, the population of South East Queensland (SEQ) has surged from 2.4 million to 3.6 million individuals. Projections indicate that by 2041, this figure will reach 5.3 million. This growth requires the creation of more than 30,000 new homes each year, as well as improvements in transportation, job availability, and service offerings.
South East Queensland Overview
South East Queensland offers a unique lifestyle blend, blending a vibrant array of sports, arts, entertainment, and cultural amenities with natural landscapes, enjoyed year-round in a subtropical climate.
South East Queensland spans from the beaches of Noosa in the north to the Queensland-New South Wales border in the south and extends westward to Toowoomba.
Home to 3,662,564 residents, approximately two-thirds of Queensland's population, South East Queensland remains one of Australia's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
Safe, family-centric communities, top-tier public health and education systems, robust community infrastructure, and a vibrant, multicultural lifestyle all contribute to South East Queensland's allure.
The region's prosperity is further bolstered by its robust manufacturing and export infrastructure, world-class business services, and flourishing tourism sector, boasting major transportation and export hubs like Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, along with a robust service economy focused on industries such as information technology and biomedical services.
Queensland is experiencing a period of transformation and growth. New industries are emerging, urban renewal initiatives are unfolding, and more people are selecting Queensland as their residence. This surge is particularly evident in South East Queensland (SEQ).
In the next 25 years, SEQ is set to welcome an additional 1.98 million individuals, propelling its total population to 5.35 million by 2041.
Trends shaping SEQ's future
The global landscape is marked by rapid changes with profound implications for our future. Several trends significantly impact SEQ:
Increased urbanisation: As the world population becomes more urbanised, SEQ, already highly urbanised, is expected to experience further significant growth. Innovative planning and design can help deliver attractive, compatible, and sustainable urban spaces.
New technology: By supporting and investing in the digital economy, SEQ will be well-positioned to capitalise on technological changes, necessitating new approaches to job, commerce, and retail planning.
Health, ageing, and changing preferences: Aging populations and evolving household structures require adaptable planning to meet changing needs and preferences. Planning for the region must enable new models of living, services, and lifestyles, including the ability to age in place.
Resource dependency: As worldwide demand for natural resources increases, pressure on diminishing reserves will continue to rise. Long-term planning for the region can ensure sustainable management of finite resources for current and future generations.
