Key points:

• North Queensland Regional Plan finalised
• Plan sets direction for economic boost and job creation
• Supportive of the plan but highlights building approvals still well-under the 10-year average.

The State Government has finalised the North Queensland Regional Plan and is intended to create jobs and boost growth in the region over the next 25 years.

The Institute is generally supportive of the North Queensland Regional Plan’s aim to deliver economic and job growth.

Our submission made clear that the State Government must make decisions to invest in both the region’s traditional industries and the future/emerging industries. In addition, the Institute highlighted the state of the current residential market citing that current building approvals for residential dwelling are well under their 10 year average.

As part of the North Queensland Regional Plan, a Townsville Urban Area has been identified, and it is aimed to restrict urban development within this boundary definition. The Institute’s submission raised concern with this additional layer of planning and regulation over the urban form and development in Townsville.

As a result of the Institute’s submission, the assessment benchmark proposed to restrict development within the Townsville Urban Area.

The Institute will continue to work with the State Government in delivering the outcomes and objectives in the regional plan. If you have any questions, please contact Policy Executive, Robert Tily (rtily@udiaqld.com.au) on (07) 3229 1589.