South East Queensland (SEQ) is recognised as Queensland’s urban heart, yet rural areas make up about 1.9 million hectares - or 85% - of the region, much of which is managed by farmers.

Like other rural areas of Australia, rural SEQ is facing numerous challenges, including increasing global competition, access to water, availability of skilled labour, climate change and peak oil. It is expected to absorb about 10% of the region's population growth to 2031 - approximately 140,000 people.

The Rural Futures Strategy for SEQ 2009 has been developed to help SEQ’s rural areas meet these challenges, capitalise on their strengths and make the most of their opportunities.

It proposes a number of actions designed to build on or enhance existing initiatives aimed at supporting the sustainable economic and social development of SEQ's rural areas.

The actions are grouped into five key themes:

1. Economic development
2. Healthy and productive rural landscapes
3. Water resources
4. Community development
5. Leadership and collaboration.

Rural futures is one of the major policy areas of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031.

Download the South East Queensland Rural Futures Strategy

Complete document

• SEQ Rural Futures Strategy ( 1.14 MB)

Sections for browsing online

• Cover and introduction ( 373 KB)
• Part 1 - Economic development ( 162 KB)
• Part 2 - Healthy and prductive rural landscapes ( 135 KB)
• Part 3 - Water resources ( 191 KB)
• Part 4 - Community development ( 103 KB)
• Part 5 - Leadership and collaboration Rural Futures Strategy ( 87 KB)
• References, Glossary and Acknowledgements ( 55 KB)

Background

South East Queensland’s rural areas are home to nearly 300,000 people and the region’s farm-dependent economy generates an estimated $8 billion a year, or nearly 12% of SEQ’s gross domestic product.

Farming is not the only economic activity, with the western sub-region - centred on Ipswich and Toowoomba - boasting strong manufacturing, retail, health, education and financial sectors. The region’s rural areas also support a rich array of flora and fauna, provide vital ecological services and are critical in maintaining SEQ’s biodiversity.

Rural SEQ is also drawcard for tourists, including locals looking to escape the hubbub of city life. These facts are testament to the significance of rural communities and industries and the important contribution they make to the region.

The SEQ Rural Futures Strategy provides a clear, long-term direction for rural SEQ that will help safeguard and improve its economic prosperity, environmental wellbeing and quality of life.