South East Queensland attracts people from around the world because of its climate, livability, economic opportunities, quality education, biodiversity, natural assets and affordable living.
It is home to around 3.5 million people and is expected to grow by almost 2 million people over the next 25 years.
This growth is exciting, but it brings with it some inherent challenges in managing the region to ensure all the demands on these resources are balanced, so future South East Queensland can continue to be a frontrunner as a region where people love to live, learn, work, invest and visit.
Beautiful.
Biodiverse.
Populated.
Climate Change affected.
Home to around 40% of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Native fauna species.
of Queensland's population live in SEQ.
Flora species.
Number of jobs.
Tourism industry in SEQ per annum.
Average annual population growth (last 10 years).
Maintaining healthy landscapes and waterways is not just important for wildlife and ecosystems. A healthy environment also supports a vibrant economy, strong livelihoods, great lifestyles and the happiness and well-being of the community.
The condition, area and extent of arable and grazing lands are important for the supply of food, fi bre and other materials to support the society and economy of the region.
The quality of life enjoyed by people in the region is supported by access to, and connection with, the unique landscapes of the region. These regional landscapes help to defi ne the region’s character and people’s sense of belonging.
Creating relationships between the natural environment, urban form and structure, economic and institutional processes, and social livelihood. Includes a sought erosion and sediment control program.
Water resources and riparian areas provide ecosystem services and clean water for human consumption, environmental flows, and recreation, agricultural and industrial use.
People of the region are privileged to live near one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The natural resources of coastal areas and marine waters are vital to our way of life and are the basis for a valuable international and domestic tourism industry along with commercial and recreational fishing.
Atmosphere, air and climate are natural resources that play a key role in the health of the natural system. Factors such as continued population growth, the number of households and an increasing reliance on motor vehicles pose a threat to future air quality. Maintaining and enhancing the region’s air quality is a key element when considering future land-use options and transport modifications.
The region has one of the richest diversities of animal and plant species in Australia distributed across a wide range of vegetation types and environments. The provision of all ecosystem services relies on supporting these habitats.
Private landholders manage the majority of the region. A priority is to enhance and maintain the capacity and ability of the community to engage in planning, implementation and monitoring of local actions to achieve regional targets.
Recognition of traditional owners as natural resource managers is one of the guiding principles of the SEQ NRM Plan. Traditional owner knowledge and values maintained the region for millennia. A key activity will be to achieve active involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in community planning and decision making.