The Queensland Government has released the final Regional Plan 2012 – 2031 for the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region.


Local Government Minister Paul Lucas said the finalised regional plan provides a clear strategic direction for the region’s developing economy, helps manage valuable natural resources, protects the environment and maintains the region’s quality of life through providing clear guidance on where development could and should take place.

“This region is a real powerhouse of the Queensland economy,” Mr Lucas said.

“The value of the resources industry in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region reached $14 billion in 2009-10. That’s more than 47% of the industry’s value across Queensland. The resources sector is the region’s major industry and its largest employer, providing jobs for more than one-in-ten residents. It’s also one of the fastest growing economies in Queensland, growing at a rate of 5.5% a year.

“With the population expected to grow from 180,000 to 280,000 as people take further advantage of the opportunities available here, it’s important we get the planning for this region right and that’s what this helps achieve.”

 

The final plan provides an extra 6700 hectares for urban development with space for an extra 43,000 homes and businesses. It adds a third development area at Rosella to places like Ooralea and Richmond where the focus is already on urban development.

There have been eight public meetings to discuss the plan across the region since the plan’s release in May last year with over 140 submissions received.

 

Mr Lucas said the protection of a State Plan will provide the means for Local Government to defend its planning scheme. He  said locals were very concerned about ensuring balance in the future development of the region.

“We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater in securing the enormous benefits of the mining boom,” he said.

“In a number of rural mining towns, we have increased the urban footprint to provide more options for new housing. At the same time, we’ve ensured 99% of the land falls outside the urban footprint so that traditional industries like agriculture, primary production and tourism are protected.”

The plan can be downloaded from www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/miw.