- First SEQ digital plan sets 10-year roadmap for one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.
- Identifies digital priorities that will help build a more connected, productive and globally competitive SEQ with a focus on cutting red tape and cost-of-living.
- Initiative of the SEQ City Deal, developed by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) in partnership with the Australian and Queensland Governments.
South East Queensland's first digital plan will aim to boost productivity, tackle cost-of-living, accelerate housing delivery and cut red tape for Australia's fastest growing region.
The SEQ Digital Plan, an initiative of the SEQ City Deal, sets a vision to transform everyday life for business and residents by improving the region's digital capabilities, infrastructure, coordination and security.
It follows the 2025 independent 'Benchmarking South East Queensland (SEQ) - in a global context' report that highlights SEQ is 23% less productive than its global peer regions, with internet speeds falling below international averages.
Digital technology can help to cut red tape, lower costs and make everyday services faster and simpler for businesses, communities and visitors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already showcasing how digital technology can help streamline processes and enhance decision making.
For example, it could enable SEQ to better optimise traffic management and tackle congestion; improve how the region monitors, analyses and manages our waterways and environment; and fast-track planning for land and infrastructure to support the delivery of more homes sooner.
The Plan will position SEQ to respond to emerging technologies that are driving the next wave of innovation, investment and industry growth. Importantly, it recognises industry as a key partner in solving regional challenges and fostering home-grown digital expertise.
SEQ is already leading Australia's quantum computing future, and the region is shaping up as a hub for innovation and commercialisation. A united digital vision that supports the rollout of data centres, global broadband connectivity and advanced computer infrastructure is critical for SEQ's long-term economic and jobs growth.
It will also help to ensure SEQ is prepared for the growing digital demands and virtual engagement opportunities as host of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The SEQ Digital Plan is an initiative under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland Governments and the Council of Mayors (SEQ).
The Plan is one of 29 commitments delivering long-lasting benefits for a fast-growing region, alongside a $50 million commitment to SEQ Local Digital Priority Projects.
Digital Plan snapshot:
- SEQ's digital innovation and capability compared to peer regions:
- 2nd fastest growth in venture capital in the last 10 years
- Top 20 fastest growing regional tech ecosystems
- 9th out of 10 overall for scale and maturity of innovation
- 23% less productive than global peer regions (and is being outpaced by peer regions that are innovating much faster)
- Data centres expected to drive $4.7billion in annual revenue in Australia in 2035.
- Growth in digital jobs and skills with AI set to create 200,000 new jobs in Australia by 2030.
- Brisbane 2032 a catalyst for global investment, partnerships and accelerates digital transformation.
- Industry, academia, community and government stakeholders consulted to inform the plan.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Chair of Council of Mayors (SEQ):
"South East Queensland is already one of the most exciting regions in the country and this plan is about making sure we stay ahead of the curve.
"By embracing digital technology from AI through to quantum computing, we can unlock new opportunities, reduce costs for families and deliver services faster and smarter.
"It also means we can back local industry and build the digital capabilities we need for the future, especially as we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Attributable to The Committee for Brisbane CEO, Jen Williams:
"The Committee for Brisbane has long supported the need for a clear, shared digital direction. Alignment at a regional level reduces risk, attracts private investment and creates the conditions for innovation to scale in ways that deliver real benefits for communities.
"The next five years is pivotal. With the SEQ Digital Plan grounded in getting the fundamentals right, the focus on practical enablers such as connectivity, data standards and coordinated delivery is both timely and necessary.
"Regional leadership, and treating the region as a single digital system, provides alignment around common platforms, standards and priorities. That approach sends a strong signal to industry and supports much needed gains in productivity, liveability and service delivery.
"With the backing of all three levels of government and industry, the SEQ Digital Plan has the potential to be more than a strategy. It can become a shared framework that helps guide investment decisions and builds lasting digital capability across the region."
Attributable to Planning Institute Australia (PIA) Queensland President, Martin Garred:
"A coordinated approach to data and digital systems is essential for a planning system that can continue to keep pace with growth. With SEQ continuing to grow, the priority now is implementation - delivering these improvements in a way that is consistent, collaborative and focused on improving outcomes."
Attributable to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) CEO, Louise Hyland:
"The SEQ Digital Plan reflects what's possible when decision-makers meaningfully engage with industry. Council of Mayors (SEQ)'s collaborative approach throughout this process has produced a practical framework that will help harmonise planning settings, unlock investment, and deliver better mobile connectivity outcomes for communities across the region. AMTA looks forward to working together to support its implementation and ensure communities are better connected."
