Special legislation will be introduced to plan and control the future development of Caboolture West, which has been identified as SEQ's largest greenfield area where approximately 30,000 homes could be built for around 70,000 people.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Planning Steven Miles said up to nine primary schools and four secondary schools as well as a major state transport corridor are among key facilities and amenities needed to support the new urban development.
"This expected urban and population growth in the new Priority Growth Area is comparable to the current population of the city of Mackay," Mr Miles said.
"As such getting the planning right is vital to ensure supporting infrastructure such as roads and schools are delivered.
"State Cabinet has approved the preparation of a bill to formally recognise Caboolture West as a Priority Growth Area. Planning Regulations will also be amended so work keeps progressing on delivering the first 3,000 homes along with all the new infrastructure they require.
"Planning by the state and council for the original pilot site was now well underway as part of a broader package of initiatives to respond to land supply and growth challenges.
"Our strong health response and economic recovery has seen people flocking to Queensland.
"That is why I have created the Growth Areas Program to provide a mechanism for government, councils, developers and the industry to keep up with the increase in demand for land, housing and the supporting infrastructure that comes with it.
"Caboolture West will ultimately be a major regional urban centre that will support 17,000 jobs and have many social benefits including new health care facilities, schools, open space, transport and plenty of new homes for Queenslanders."
The Growth Areas Program includes the new priority growth areas Bill; identifying the next Priority Growth Area/s; infrastructure planning with Council for the Caboolture West Priority Growth Area; a discussion paper about a more equitable infrastructure charging framework; exploring ways to grow the supply of social and affordable housing to deliver on initiatives under the Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025.
Minister for Police and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said Caboolture West would become a blueprint for other developments across Southeast Queensland.
"It's important we get the planning right, first and foremost, so that any development in this area is well coordinated," Mr Ryan said.
"The Palaszczuk Government has already provided $10.5 million in loan funding from the Building Acceleration Fund to deliver water supply and sewage networks and a sewage pumping station.
"It is expected that 100 new jobs will be generated as part of this infrastructure work alone."
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery said Caboolture West will be the next big thing in southeast Queensland, but we need to ensure we get the infrastructure and land use planning right now before work starts.
"Caboolture West will ultimately be the size of a regional city; supporting 17,000 jobs and delivering many social benefits including new health and education centres, along with new sport and recreation facilities," Mr Flannery said.
"We want to ensure this master planned community is a very desirable place to live. In NDP1 we are anticipating a diverse range of housing options with walkable neighbourhoods, several local parks, a district scale sports facility, a primary school, and local shopping facilities.
"Other proposed amenities include at least 70 hectares of green space with pedestrian and cycle paths along the Caboolture River to ensure our newest residents will have a lifestyle to boast about.
"Critical to the success of this project will be upgrades to roads, footpaths and cycleways in the area to support its growth, provide travel efficiencies for the existing communities that surround the NDP1 area.
"All this has been achieved through our partnership in working with the state to date, and we see Priority Growth Area status for Caboolture West as the state's commitment to continuing this successful partnership."
UDIA Queensland CEO Kirsty Chessher-Brown said the Institute supported the introduction of special legislation to allow the declaration of Priority Growth Areas.
"We look forward to working closely with government on drafting the provisions, to ensure they are robust and workable for all stakeholders involved, including the community," Ms Chessher-Brown said.
"The Institute has long advocated for a new approach to how we plan and deliver growth areas across the state and today's announcement delivers a new level of coordination.
"Today's announcement lays the foundations for a more reliable pipeline of supply across the region which is good for all levels of government, good for industry and good for house prices and affordability.
"Ultimately, the legislative amendments have the potential to improve coordination between the state and local governments and utilities, ensure housing remains affordable and the planning system is more adequately equipped to manage the challenges associated with accommodating a growing population."
