Shaping South East Queensland

A snapshot of SEQ’s population growth projection

The Queensland State Government recently released their Draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 Update for public consultation, signalling that South East Queensland’s recent strong growth is expected to continue over the coming decades.

SEQ’s population was around 3.8 million in 2021 and is expected to add 2.16 million new residents over the 25 years leading up to 2046, reaching a population of around 6 million by 2046 - representing a 57% population increase over 25 years.

The implications of adding 2.16 million new residents to SEQ over the next two decades are far-reaching. There are many obvious implications for housing, jobs, skills, transport, connectivity, and liability in SEQ, as well as some interconnections between these factors.

1) The Brisbane LGA is projected to add 457,000 new residents from 2021 to 2046, the largest growth in the SEQ region. This is a 36% increase on its 2021 population.

2) Gold Coast LGA is projected to add a further 381,200 residents, while Ipswich LGA is expected to add 294,700 new residents.

3) Logan, Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast LGAs are each expected to add between 206,000 and 311,000 new residents.

4) Ipswich LGA is projected to have the highest rate of growth (126.3 per cent).

5) Of the SEQ LGAs, Redland (31.1%) and Noosa (33.6%) are projected to have the lowest rates of growth.

6) The Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley LGAs are each expected to have fewer than 25,000 new residents, but this represents significant growth of 53–61% on the existing population base.

If you would like advice on what the draft SEQ Regional Plan means for your property or project, please get in touch and we’d be happy to assist.

Brendan Nelson, Partner Advisory brendan.nelson@solveproperty.com.au

Gordon Yoon, Principal Economics & Research gordon.yoon@solveproperty.com.au