Queensland's regional growth approach
The Regional Growth Framework seeks to deliver a whole of government approach to planning for Queensland’s regions across economic, infrastructure, land use and other policy spheres.
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Queensland is a diverse state and its different regions have different priorities. Supporting the State Infrastructure Strategy are Regional Infrastructure Plans in recognition of the significant role infrastructure plays in catalysing regional economic recovery, growth and livability. Drawing on this State Infrastructure Strategy’s priorities, and complementing statutory regional plans, these plans are being developed in consultation with regional stakeholders (industry, peak bodies and government) through a place-based approach to help prioritise regionally significant infrastructure needs.
Statutory Regional Plans are long-term strategic documents that guide land use planning for state and local governments. They also indicate and set direction through contemporary policy frameworks and spatial representation how our regions will grow and respond to change over time. They support economic growth, development and liveable communities while protecting natural resources and reconciling state interests outlined in the State Planning Policy.
State Government policy on the planning and design of social infrastructure
This strategy sets the agenda for infrastructure investment across Queensland to support communities and boost prosperity.
It confirms place-based planning for social infrastructure as a key priority for liveable communities. It advocates progressing a social infrastructure reform agenda by:
- co-developing models for funding and investing in social infrastructure
- addressing systemic barriers to collaborative social infrastructure planning and delivery
- partnering with key stakeholders and fostering multi-sector partnerships
- building cross-sectoral capability and advocating place-based planning to drive better community outcomes.
The strategy provides a framework for the planning, design, location and use of the state’s social infrastructure. It aims to achieve more integrated, accessible, well-located, multi-functional and cost-effective social infrastructure to:
- make better use of existing infrastructure to deliver broader services and community benefits
- use every new infrastructure investment as an opportunity to deliver more integrated outcomes for inclusive communities.
Benefits from this strategy will be more responsive social services and better investment of public resources in social infrastructure, aligning with the intended objectives of Our Future State: Advancing Queensland's Priorities.
This guide is designed to support the Strategy for Social Infrastructure. It demonstrates how collaborative place-specific responses can address social infrastructure needs in different communities while ensuring wise infrastructure investment. It:
- identifies seven success factors that can be adopted into the planning, design, location and use of social infrastructure
- offers approaches to support application
- provides examples of human service agencies working collaboratively and innovatively to address current and arising social infrastructure challenges.
The (QGIP) provides industry with visibility of the whole-of-government infrastructure pipeline, creating confidence and enabling workforce planning. It tracks the four-year forward program for capital investment in infrastructure, including social infrastructure asset classes, across Queensland. PlaceConnect supports this visibility by facilitating a community of practice to connect and share opportunities.
State Government strategy on social infrastructure
This strategy will guide Queensland Government action over 10 years, towards the vision that Queensland’s communities support and empower every person to connect, participate, contribute and thrive. Communities 2032 plans to strengthen the fabric of our communities and to help Queenslanders live their best lives. Strong communities are essential to economic prosperity, wellbeing and future opportunities. There is a roadmap to four key destinations:
- vibrant, inclusive and cohesive communities
- healthy, accessible and liveable communities
- safe and resilient communities
- supported and responsive communities.
The strategy is supported by the Communities 2032 Action Plan which lists 58 actions.
Queensland Health is committed to partnering across the health system to deliver accessible, equitable and sustainable healthcare for everyone.
Over the next decade, HEALTHQ32 will see the health system focus on:
- Optimising the delivery of safe, appropriate and timely hospital care
- Strengthening access to care in the community and closer to home
- Improving the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
Other useful links
“Social infrastructure, and the services it supports, not only enables Australians to live better lives, it delivers substantial direct and indirect benefits to the nation’s economy.”
The plan provides recommendations for reforms to deliver better infrastructure outcomes in Australia.
Recommendation 8.2 (Partnerships to build communities) is to maximise social and economic community benefits by supporting shared use of social infrastructure through future agreements and capital funding programs prioritising shared use of facilities. It recommends that “infrastructure identification and prioritisation… reflect a place-based approach that takes a cross-sectoral view of the interrelated infrastructure and amenity needs.”
Regarding social infrastructure, the plan states that “alternative models of funding and delivery will enable more well-located, maintained and fit-for purpose facilities.”
