Far North Queensland’s population will grow by more than 100,000 residents over the next 20 years.

The Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 is the blueprint that will manage this growth and guide development in the region over the next two decades.

It identifies enough developable land to accommodate future growth while protecting the region's environment, biodiversity and natural resources.

Over 99% of the region has been designated as a regional landscape and rural production area, land which is off-limits to urban development. It includes the region's:

• Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
• Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
• good quality agricultural land.

Urban development will be consolidated within an urban footprint - 0.5% of the region - including Cairns, which will grow by an estimated 75,000 people.

The final plan reflects the many suggestions raised during public consultation in 2008. The Far North Queensland Regional Plan should be read in conjunction with the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 State Planning Regulatory Provisions and accompanying 35 regulatory maps.

The plan is supported by the Far North Queensland Infrastructure Plan 2009-2031.