RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

Transcription

1 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Compilation of the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap was undertaken through a series of consultation meetings and forums throughout the year. The participation and contributions from such a broad cross section of community, business and government sectors throughout the region is appreciated. We would like to especially thank those who attended our Roadmap Regional Leaders Forum, key stakeholder meetings, the Chambers of Commerce SEQ West Forums and Cluster Meetings, Government and Non- Government Agencies and those who contributed at the project and regional priority meetings throughout the year. Support and dedication from a number of people who participated on priority working groups must also be acknowledged, as this ensures significant progress is possible on addressing key priorities for the region. Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained within. To the best of our knowledge, the content was correct at the time of publishing. Any references to legislation are not an interpretation of the law. They are to be used as a guide only. The information in this publication is general and does not take into account individual circumstances or situations. Where appropriate, independent research should be undertaken and legal advice should be sought. Source of references are related to those listed at the end of the document. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS... 3 FOREWORD... 5 ROADMAP HIGHLIGHTS... 6 OVERVIEW OF REGION... 6 Map of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Region... 6 ROADMAP PROCESS... 7 KEY ISSUES:... 8 Planning... 8 Regional Challenges, Advantages and Risks... 9 VISION GOALS REGIONAL PRIORITIES RDAIWM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED THE REGION Ipswich and West Moreton Land Use Map OUR ENVIRONMENT OUR PLACES OUR PEOPLE OUR ECONOMY OUR INFRASTRUCTURE OUR STAKEHOLDERS RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Stakeholder and Engagement Map STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MECHANISMS, PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION ROADMAP STAKEHOLDER JOURNEY STRATEGIC ANALYSIS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES GAPS RISKS TO REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OPPORTUNITIES RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING POLICY AND PLANNING (AUSTRALIAN, QUEENSLAND AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT) VISION GOALS IMPROVE OUR HUMAN CAPITAL PROTECT AND ENHANCE OUR NATURAL ASSETS BROADEN AND GROW OUR ECONOMIC BASE REGIONAL PRIORITIES LOCKYER VALLEY SUSTAINABLE FOOD BOWL RIPLEY VALLEY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AMBERLEY AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE DEVELOPMENT IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY PARKS SOUTHERN FREIGHT RAIL DEVELOPMENT Map of Southern Freight Rail Corridor Alignment RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

4 IMPROVED FLOOD IMMUNITY OF BRISBANE RIVER CROSSINGS TO ASSIST FLOOD MITIGATION COAL SEAM GAS AND MINING REGIONAL IMPACT REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT RECREATIONAL ASSET ENHANCEMENT REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS WATERWAY HEALTH AND CONNECTIVITY SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND PROTECTION OF PRODUCTIVE RURAL LAND NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON EVIDENCE BASE IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON SOCIAL PLANNING REGIONAL WORKFORCE PLANNING RDAIWM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED LOCKYER VALLEY SUSTAINABLE FOOD BOWL STRATEGY AND WATER BUSINESS CASE RIPLEY VALLEY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION STRATEGY IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON DIGITAL ECONOMY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF IPSWICH & WEST MORETON EVIDENCE BASE IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON SOCIAL PLAN IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON MINING SERVICES STUDY ROADMAP DELIVERY & REVIEW FRAMEWORK APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: OUR ENVIRONMENT MAP APPENDIX 2: OUR PLACES MAP APPENDIX 3: OUR PEOPLE MAP APPENDIX 4: OUR ECONOMY MAP APPENDIX 5: OUR INFRASTRUCTURE MAP APPENDIX 6: OUR RURAL PRODUCTION MAP APPENDIX 7: OUR MINING INTEREST & STRATEGIC CROPPING LANDS APPENDIX 8: INDUSTRY SECTORS DRIVING GROWTH IN THE IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON APPENDIX 9: DEMOGRAPHIC TABLES AND GRAPHS Estimated Resident Population in the Region Population Age Profile by Age Group and Sex Median Age Population Projections Age Distribution of Projected Population Growth 2021 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population Country of Birth and Proficiency in Spoken English Family Composition Personal Income APPENDIX 10: ECONOMIC TABLES AND GRAPHS Unemployment and Labour Force Unemployment Trend Building Approvals Internet Connections Vocational Education and Training Students Highest Level of Schooling APPENDIX 11: COMMUNITY SERVICES TABLES Aged Care Services Emergency Services, Schools and Hospitals REFERENCES RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

5 FOREWORD Regional Development Australia is a partnership between Australian, State, and Local Governments to strengthen and sustain regional communities. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Inc. (at ) is an Australian and Queensland Government appointed committee of Council representatives and regional volunteers with extensive networks, knowledge and experience in regional development and services. A key role is to help integrate the regional development effort of the Australian and Queensland Governments and the Councils of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset, which comprise about half of South East Queensland (SEQ). Our Charter encourages focus on business growth, productivity, community wellbeing and sustainability. We employ a small staff to operationalize our role. This Roadmap is the product of consultation with our regional stakeholders throughout Our close working partnership with business, community and government informs our Regional Roadmap as the foundation of our regional development effort. I am pleased to present our Roadmap. It builds upon previous annual Roadmaps. It looks to the future, but is cognisant of the rebuilding still underway in some areas as a result of the devastating January 2011 floods. The Roadmap does not duplicate the existing regional and local planning processes undertaken by the Queensland Government and the region s Councils. It identifies government planning for SEQ and more particularly Ipswich and West Moreton. The Roadmap captures regional characteristics and key issues. It undertakes a strategic analysis of regional strengths, weaknesses, gaps, risks and opportunities and enunciates the region s vision and supporting goals. It addresses the Roadmap Question: In the context of meeting development challenges, optimising advantages and managing risks to sustainability, what are the regional priorities that: Are not adequately addressed by existing statutory planning; or Require integrated multi-government response; or Are of such regional significance that it warrants identification for the benefit of all levels of government? In response to the Roadmap Question and informed by the strategic analysis, it outlines regional priorities which, in company with existing statutory planning, will help achieve the goals and vision for Ipswich and West Moreton. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will advocate and help integrate multi-government effort in relation to the regional priorities; and, subject to funding, will undertake the specific projects identified in the Roadmap in order to contribute directly to certain regional priorities. The Roadmap will inform all levels of government; and form the basis of our input to the review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which is the Queensland Government s statutory sustainability plan for SEQ and guides major infrastructure construction and Council community and land use plans. Jamie Quinn Chair, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Inc. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

6 ROADMAP HIGHLIGHTS OVERVIEW OF REGION Ipswich and West Moreton comprises the four Council areas of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset making up the western half of South East Queensland. Map of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Region Ipswich and West Moreton: is 13,000sq km in area with population of 270,000 in 2011; is experiencing significant growth, %pa compared to 1.8% for Qld; and projected %pa compared to 1.8% for Qld; contains the City of Ipswich and its main towns include Beaudesert, Tamborine, Canungra, Boonah, Laidley, Gatton, Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Toogoolawah and Kilcoy; is home to Australia s largest master planned community at Springfield (ultimate 85,000) and Australia s next largest master planned community at Ripley Valley (ultimate 120,000); is home to Australia s largest Defence Base at Amberley with 3,134 Air Force personnel, 603 Army personnel and a varying number of support contractors; contains existing or proposed regionally significant industry parks including Bromelton, Carole Park, Redbank Motorway Estate, Swanbank Enterprise Park, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karabin, Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development, Purga, Ebenezer and potential for the Gatton West Industry Zone (GWIZ); RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

7 is traversed and connected by seven main road transport links - the Brisbane Valley, D Aguilar, Warrego, Cunningham, Mount Lindesay and Centenary Highways, and the Ipswich Motorway; is traversed and connected by three rails lines, two of which carry major freight (one at full capacity); contains the waterways of seven valleys Stanley, Brisbane, Lockyer, Bremer, Fassifern, Logan and Albert; encompasses world heritage areas of national and international significance; including the World Heritage Gondwanda Rainforests of SEQ, extending from Karawatha Forest in Brisbane s southern suburbs to Flinders Peak, on to the south side of Ipswich and down to the Wyaralong Dam near Boonah contains the majority of SEQ s water storage; is home to the Lockyer Valley food bowl, regarded as one of the ten most fertile valleys in the world; has available land to provide for urban growth with strong tourism and recreational amenity is a selected early release site for the National Broadband Network infrastructure currently being rolled out; and has a strong cultural heritage and recognised traditional land ownership of aboriginal communities. (OESR Regional Profile Ipswich and West Moreton) ROADMAP PROCESS The roadmap process identifies priorities based on regional high level impact and opportunity cost in the context of the Roadmap Question. Diagram of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap Process Stakeholder Input RDAIWM Roadmap Process Regional Leaders Forum Identify SEQ planning, challenges, advantages and risks Chambers of Commerce Forums & Cluster Meetings Government Bodies & Agencies Key Stakeholder Meetings Strategic Analysis and response to Roadmap Question Strategic Analysis informs Roadmap (vision, goals and regional priorities) Roadmap informs all levels of government and SEQ Regional Plan RDAIWM Projects contribute to regional priorities which, with statutory planning outcomes, help achieve goals and vision RDAIWM Project Inputs RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

8 The effectiveness of this Roadmap will be enhanced by its: ability to leverage relevant Australian Government policies for the sustainable development of Ipswich and West Moreton; capacity to contribute to the effectiveness of the next revision of the SEQ Regional Plan; and usefulness as a mechanism helping integrate the effort of all three levels of Government to sustainably develop Ipswich and West Moreton and contribute to SEQ, Queensland and national objectives. KEY ISSUES: Planning The following plans cover the Ipswich and West Moreton region either wholly or in part. Queensland Government regional, water and natural resource planning: South East Queensland Regional Plan (whole of IWM) Queensland Infrastructure Plan (whole of IWM) Connecting SEQ 2031 An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland (whole of IWM) Moreton Water Resource Plan (part of IWM) Moreton Resource Operations Plan (part of IWM ) Logan Water Resource Plan (part of IWM ) Logan Resource Operations Plan (part of IWM) SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan (whole of IWM) Council community and land use planning: Ipswich Community Plan Ipswich Planning Scheme Scenic Rim Community Plan Beaudesert Planning Scheme Boonah Planning Scheme Lockyer Valley Community Plan Gatton Planning Scheme Laidley Planning Scheme Somerset Community Plan Esk Planning Scheme Kilcoy Planning Scheme RDA Ipswich and West Moreton: Regional Roadmap RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

9 Regional Challenges, Advantages and Risks Consideration of the planning for this region and consultation with business, community and government throughout has identified various key issues for the region. The priorities identified from this process are based on the level of risk and impact to the region if they are not addressed. These key issues can be categorised as: regional development challenges; comparative advantages; and risks to regional sustainability. Regional development challenges include: flood mitigation; flood plain management; coal seam gas and mining; adequate freight routes (access to ports, hubs and air services); waterway health and connectivity; rural water security; preservation of good quality agricultural land; biosecurity; urbanisation pressure on environment and integration with rural use; aging population; community capacity support in high residential growth circumstances; community capacity, support and provision of essential transport, health and education services in low density rural population areas; streamlining of development approval processes; destination branding; fly in fly out impacts on small business and community; small business risks and inadequate capability for supply chain management; imported product dumping; imported food produced under lower cost regimes and less stringent environmental and food safety regimes; and local business/community keeping pace with a rapidly changing digital economy and adoption of high speed broadband. A common challenge for all 55 Australian regions is the availability of efficient instruments for private investment in public enabling infrastructure. Lack of capacity to employ private (including superannuation) funds in public infrastructure is inhibiting Australia s sustainable development. The April 2012 Infrastructure Finance and Funding Report to Infrastructure Australia deals with these and other issues, which must be resolved at a national level; and soon. Regional comparative advantages include: urban water security; Lockyer Valley agricultural capacity and other good quality agricultural land; diverse community and economy; Australia s largest defence base at Amberley; industrial land availability including inland port potential; strategic transport routes with connectivity to air and sea ports; outstanding natural assets; RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

10 significant recreational asset potential; three major university campuses; trade training centres; and early implementation of National Broadband Network. Risks that could threaten regional sustainability include: inappropriate development of coal seam gas or mining; loss of good quality agricultural land to urbanisation, coal seam gas or mining; failure to secure rural water and appropriately develop Lockyer Valley as a sustainable food bowl; poor conservation and management of environmental assets and biodiversity; failure to manage growth for sustainability; failure to appropriately develop business and industry to balance residential growth and generate a broader skills profile and more rewarding jobs; and failure to plan for rapidly changing digital economy. VISION Our vision is sustainable communities in a connected region. The Ipswich and West Moreton region comprises four Council areas with a broad spectrum of size and type of communities ranging from Ipswich City (population 172,000 1 ) to mid-size towns to tiny rural villages and sparse farming communities. Our communities are spread across half of South East Queensland, which is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. They possess strong industrial, agricultural, logistic and service capacities. Sustainability of the communities of Ipswich and West Moreton is reliant upon effective transport, utility and communications connectivity as a critical part of the region s planning and design platform to address its development challenges, optimise its comparative advantages and manage risks to its sustainability. Our vision embraces the SEQ Regional Plan vision, which is fully described elsewhere in the Roadmap. Set out below is a map illustrating the relationships between the vision, goals, regional priorities and projects identified throughout the Roadmap. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will only undertake projects, subject to funding, where it identifies a significant gap that is not more appropriately addressed by a Council or government agency. Accordingly, RDAIWM has not identified RDAIWM projects for several regional priorities, which are being addressed, or would be more appropriately addressed, by a Council or government agency. 1 OESR based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011, cat. no RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

11 RELATIONSHIP MAP OF OUR VISION, GOALS, REGIONAL PRIORITIES AND PROJECTS OUR VISION: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN A CONNECTED REGION Goals Regional Priorities RDAIWM Projects Notes Improve our Human Capital Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration (Note 1) Ipswich & West Moreton Social Planning Regional Workforce Planning Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration Strategy Ipswich & West Moreton Social Plan Note 1. This Regional Priority contributes substantially to the following Goals: Protect and Enhance our Not-for-profit Organisational Capacity & Capability Regionally Significant Recreation Asset Development (Note 1) Sustainable Agriculture and Protection of Productive Rural Land Improve our Human Capital; Broaden and Grow our Economic Base; and Protect and Enhance our Natural Assets Natural Assets Coal Seam Gas and Mining Regional Impact Regional Biodiversity Corridors Note 2. This Regional Priority contributes substantially to the following Goals: Waterways Health and Connectivity Broaden and Grow our Economic Base; and Improved Flood Immunity of Brisbane River Crossings to Assist Flood Mitigation (Note 1) Protect and Enhance our Natural Assets Broaden and Grow our Economic Base Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl (Note 2) Amberley Aerospace & Defence Development Ipswich & West Moreton Digital Economy (Note 3) Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Strategy and Water Business Case Ipswich & West Moreton Digital Economy Strategy Note 3. This Regional Priority contributes substantially to the following Goals: Development of Regionally Significant Industry Parks Ipswich & West Moreton Mining Services Study Broaden and Grow our Economic Base; and Improve our Human Capital Ipswich & West Moreton Evidence Base (Note 1) Development & Analysis of Ipswich & West Moreton Evidence Base Southern Freight Rail Development RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

12 GOALS The goals set out below support the vision for sustainable communities in a connected region: improve our human capital; protect and enhance our natural assets; and broaden and grow our economic base. Our goals are addressed to some extent by existing regional and Council planning. There would be greater attainment through a combination of existing statutory planning and the Roadmap s regional priorities, which help meet regional development challenges, optimise our comparative advantages and manage risks to ensure the region s sustainability is not threatened. Our focus aligns well with the Queensland Government s four key development pillars of tourism, agriculture, resources and construction and ensures that gaps in current planning important to the RDAIWM region and surrounds, are identified and addressed as a priority. REGIONAL PRIORITIES Through the strategic analysis contained herein, this Roadmap responds to the Roadmap Question: In the context of meeting development challenges, optimising advantages and managing risks to sustainability, what are the regional priorities that: are not adequately addressed by existing statutory planning; or require integrated multi-government response; or are of such regional significance that it warrants identification for the benefit of all levels of government? The Roadmap is designed to assist achievement of SEQ, Queensland and national objectives through optimal Ipswich and West Moreton contributions. The RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will advocate and assist the integration of multi-government effort in relation to the following regional priorities which, in company with existing statutory planning, will help achieve our goals and vision. The priorities are further detailed in the full documentation of the Roadmap : Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl This regional priority realises Lockyer Valley s potential to be sustainable as a core element of a food security supply chain, involving production, processing and logistics, servicing the SEQ, Australian and South East Asian markets. Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will manage the preparation and implementation of a strategy to guide and facilitate integration of multi-government effort and management of government and private developer stakeholder relationships. This is to establish the basis for Ripley Valley sustainable community integration with outstanding natural assets and nearby large scale job generators in Swanbank Enterprise Park and Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

13 Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development (ADD) Amberley ADD is situated adjacent to the RAAF Base Amberley. It will provide for clustering of synergistic aerospace and defence industry companies with requirements and capability ranging from runway and taxiway access to provision of aerospace design, software integration, systems integration, repair, overhaul, modification and support services to existing and opportunity defence markets. The current Australian defence budget is about A$27 billion per year. Amberley ADD will target about $9 billion over the next 20 years (about $450 million per year on average), being new business for Queensland, generating about 3,000 full time jobs. Ipswich and West Moreton Digital Economy The IWM digital economy is a priority that requires careful strategic planning, development, implementation and education as a driver of regional connectivity and productivity on the back of high capacity broadband infrastructure provided by the National Broadband Network. Development of Regionally Significant Industry Parks The IWM region will continue to experience substantial residential growth. This regional priority recognises that population, without jobs, is not sustainable and accordingly focuses on private development of industry in all its forms (from high technology, to food processing, to base manufacturing, to logistics). Our existing and proposed industry parks of regional significance include Bromelton, Carole Park, Redbank Motorway Estate, Swanbank Enterprise Park, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karabin, Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development, Purga, Ebenezer and potential for the proposed Gatton West Industry Zone (GWIZ). Southern Freight Rail Development The proposed Southern Freight Rail is a dual gauge southern freight rail from Rosewood (on the Western Line) to the Melbourne-Brisbane Interstate Line at Kagaru, just north of Bromelton. It will immediately relieve the current mix of daily commuter traffic and the entire Darling Downs and southwest Queensland freight traffic on the Rosewood to Brisbane rail system. It will establish a vital standard gauge freight connection between two proposed major intermodal terminals at Bromelton (Kagaru) and Purga/Ebenezer; and provide a vital part of the standard gauge connection between the standard gauge Melbourne-Brisbane Interstate Line and the eventual standard gauge inland rail line. Improved Flood Immunity of Brisbane River Crossings to Assist Flood Mitigation Construction of strategically located Brisbane River crossings, with appropriate flood immunity, is highly relevant for improvement of Wivenhoe Dam flood storage management capability, mitigation of Brisbane River floods, and protection of life, property and natural assets in Ipswich and West Moreton and Brisbane. Coal Seam Gas and Mining Regional Impact To ensure that any risks to the sustainability of the region are being appropriately managed, this regional priority identifies the imperative that any coal seam gas or mining proposals are thoroughly assessed by the relevant levels of government in relation to environmental, social and economic impacts, including aggregate impacts of multiple projects and cumulative impacts into the future. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

14 Regionally Significant Recreational Asset Enhancement There is a regional priority to establish recreational asset enhancement in both amenity and infrastructure to retain and attract skilled workers; increase tourism activity; and embellish healthy lifestyle outcomes. Regional Biodiversity Corridors Biodiversity corridors are important in the region and this priority takes in to account the critical need for investment into this area to realise the potential for environmental, economic and social outcomes. Waterways Health and Connectivity There is a priority to achieve well managed waterways, wetlands, dams and floodplains not only to provide good quality water and agricultural land for food and fibre production, but to also function to absorb the destructive force of floods like those of 2011, thereby protecting life, natural assets and property including densely populated areas downstream like Ipswich and Brisbane. Sustainable Agriculture and Protection of Productive Rural Land This priority is to ensure there is effective land use planning and protection of strategic cropping land and will be essential to encourage the investment necessary to build increased agricultural production and associated processing capacity to supply large amounts of food and fibre to the growing population of SEQ and Australia. This will only be achieved if there is a reliable supply of good quality water, and land is managed sustainably and productively. Not-for-Profit Organisational Capacity and Capability This regional priority recognises the NFP sector s contribution to our economy and community wellbeing, especially in areas of health and social assistance, and identifies the urgent need to build NFP organisational capacity and capability to address these challenges. Ipswich and West Moreton Evidence Base For the purpose of delivering the attributes and capabilities indicated in this Roadmap, the IWM Evidence Base priority is to ensure the availability of good quality data and geospatial presentation of relevant regional characteristics and aspects of Australian, Queensland and Local Government plans and policy that impact this region. Ipswich and West Moreton Social Planning This regional priority establishes the need for preparation of a regional social plan as a basis for input to future regional Roadmaps and the SEQ Regional Plan, which is SEQ s sustainability plan. The IWM region is undergoing large residential growth and we will be broadening and growing our economic base to ensure we maintain balanced economic viability. Regional Workforce Planning In recognising the need for regional workforce planning, there is a priority to identify the particular occupations and skills likely to be required as the region s industry capacity and service sector grows. Support in leveraging investment for workforce planning will need to take into consideration integrating strategies from current planning across all levels of government. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

15 RDAIWM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED Subject to funding, the projects set out below will be undertaken by RDA Ipswich and West Moreton as a direct contribution to some of the regional priorities. Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Strategy and Water Business Case RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will commission and manage preparation of: a Strategy for development of Lockyer Valley and associated regional facilities and infrastructure as an efficient food production, food processing and logistics network to supply to the SEQ, Australian and international markets; and address regional environmental, economic and community development issues; a Business Case for the Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl water scheme, which addresses local environmental, economic and community development issues, and incorporates sustainability design concepts involving dam, recycled and purified recycled feed water to ensure optimisation of long-term scheme capability, including quantity, quality and reliability of scheme supply, and aquifer preservation. Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration Strategy RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will manage the preparation and implementation of a strategy to guide and facilitate integration of multi-government effort and management of government and private developer stakeholder relationships to establish the basis for Ripley Valley sustainable community integration. Ipswich and West Moreton Digital Economy Strategy RDA Ipswich and West Moreton has received Australian Government funding assistance to develop a regional digital economy strategy; Ipswich and West Moreton a Connected and Productive Region! which will inform future planning and delivery for regional digital economy initiatives. Development and Analysis of Ipswich and West Moreton Evidence Base RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will progress the development of the IWM Evidence Base, as required to satisfy its evidence based regional planning requirements, including relevant aspects of Australian Government policies, SEQ Regional Plan and infrastructure program, and Council community, land use, infrastructure, environmental and economic development plans. The analysis of the IWM Evidence Base will focus on: IWM s development challenges IWM s comparative advantages management of risks to IWM s sustainability response to the Roadmap Question IWM s contribution to SEQ, Queensland and national objectives Ipswich and West Moreton Social Plan RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the development of the Ipswich and West Moreton Social Plan that will provide a basis for input to future Roadmaps and the SEQ Regional Plan; a focus for consultation with governments about critical social issues; and a platform for attracting resources to address those issues. Ipswich and West Moreton Mining Services Study As a contribution to the Development of Regionally Significant Industry Parks priority, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the Ipswich and West Moreton Mining Services Study to determine the feasibility of staged development of a mining services cluster in one or more of the region s industry parks. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

16 THE REGION The Regional Development Australia Ipswich and West Moreton region (the region) comprises the western half of South East Queensland (SEQ) between Toowoomba to the west, Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane to the east and Gold Coast/NSW border to the south. This region encompasses significant diversity, with urban hubs and substantial areas of agricultural and recreational land. It has some of Queensland s largest areas of developable industrial land and master planned communities, in close proximity to ports, road and rail networks. Ipswich and West Moreton Land Use Map Data sourced from the Queensland Government, SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership, SPOT Image, Australian Bureau of Statistics and SEQ Catchments. These maps are not to be sold or re-made as part of a commercial product. Cartographers: S. Mooney, M. Petter Version: 23 October 2012 Copyright: SEQ Catchments Ltd (SEQC) 2012 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

17 The region which is 13,000sq km, encompasses the City of Ipswich and the three regional councils of Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset. There is above average population growth forecast to more than double over the next twenty years with an increase by 30 June, 2031 of approx. 374,000 additional residents to 641, Collectively, this presents an opportunity to service demands for a diverse range of economic, social and environmental imperatives, but will put enormous pressure on resources, service capability and infrastructure. Ipswich has a high diversity of business including construction, retail trade, transport-postalwarehousing, rental-hiring-real estate services, and professional-scientific-technical services. Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset have a large agriculture-forestry industry sector as well as a smaller number of those outlined for Ipswich. The region has a strong sense of cultural heritage and is home to people from varying cultural backgrounds and nationalities. It is centrally located to support the expansion of Queensland s major conurbation, in South East Queensland and is traversed and connected by major national highways and other major transport links including the Warrego Highway, Cunningham Highway, Mount Lindesay Highway, Brisbane Valley Highway, D Aguilar Highway, Centenary Highway and the Ipswich Motorway. This region is further described below in the context of Our Environment, Our Places, Our People, Our Economy and Our Infrastructure. REFER APPENDIX 9: Demographic Tables and Graphs OUR ENVIRONMENT The Ipswich and West Moreton region enjoys a sub-tropical climate with an average daily temperature range of 13 to 25 degrees Celsius, and 905mm annual rainfall (OESR Regional Profile). The majority of the fresh food and clean water required to sustain the growing population of SEQ is supplied by the natural assets that make up the environment of the region. Assets such as agricultural land, grassland and bushland, flood plains, wetlands, dams and waterways provide these crucial services to society and the economy. The region hosts some of the most significant regional biodiversity corridors in SEQ which connect landscapes and people across the region and across the nation. These hills and ranges are one of the most species-rich and diverse parts of Australia for flora and fauna being home to many of SEQ's rare and threatened species including the Antarctic Beech and Coxen's fig parrot. These corridors are not only important as habitat but also for the services they provide to society such as clean air, clean water, scenic amenity and recreational opportunities. The waterways of Ipswich and West Moreton also connect landscapes and people across SEQ as they join to form the rivers that flow through the more populated areas and into Moreton Bay. These waterways including wetlands provide habitat and refugia for animals and birds particularly in times of climate variability. Many are the source of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural use for local communities and provide a range of recreational and educational opportunities. This extensive network of waterways collects water for the major drinking water storages of SEQ, including Wyaralong, Moogerah, Maroon and SEQ s two largest dams, being Somerset and Wivenhoe. Rural lands make up the majority of the landscapes in the region and support agriculture as the major land use. The region is one of the most productive in agricultural terms in Australia and like other natural assets in the region is coming under increasing pressure from alternative land uses. REFER APPENDIX 1: Our Environment Map 2 OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

18 OUR PLACES The region has key features that define its role as a desirable place to live, learn, work and play and forms the western half of SEQ. A unique feature of the region is the seven major valleys Stanley Valley, Brisbane Valley, Fassifern Valley, Lockyer Valley, Bremer Valley, Logan Valley and Albert Valley, which include the majority of SEQ s good quality agricultural land and water catchment and storage. It provides an abundance of diverse lifestyle opportunities and strong education, industry and employment advantages as elaborated upon in the sub-regions below. Ipswich: Ipswich City covers 1090sq km and a population of 172,147 has a mix of 6000 heritage-listed sites, master planned communities and charming rural townships. It includes a rapidly expanding City Centre and is a major industry hub for SEQ with some of the largest industry parkland available in Queensland close to an urban centre experiencing significant residential growth. It is central to major highways in close proximity to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Surat basin. Ipswich City has significant educational assets with two major universities. Scenic Rim: Scenic Rim covering 4,255sq km and a population of 37,415 runs from the border with NSW in the Great Dividing Range and is best known for its world heritage-listed areas and breathtaking scenery. It is home to many people seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in close proximity to major towns such as Beaudesert and Boonah and the coastal areas of the Gold Coast; and there are abundant business opportunities in recreational tourism such as that found in the Tamborine Mountain and Cunungra areas. This area contains rich fertile land supporting intensive horticulture and is now home to a burgeoning equine industry. OESR Queensland Regional Profiles RDA Ipswich & West Moreton RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

19 Lockyer Valley: Lockyer Valley covering 2,272sq km with a population of 35,795, has a rich agricultural and rural aspect with small and large broad acre farming. It spans both sides of the Warrego Highway with a number of growing town centres including, Gatton, Laidley and Plainland. It is home to Queensland s Salad Bowl, has a major university for vet science and educational qualities for agriculture. With assets such as a major Truck Museum, lakes, valleys and heritage trails, it offers diversity in recreational tourism and is expanding its industrial capacity to support residential growth with new developments such as the potential for the Gatton West Industry Zone. Somerset: Somerset covering an area of 5,383sq km and a population of 22,062 provides an outdoor lifestyle replete with recreational assets including large man-made lakes, rugged mountains, picturesque valleys, native bushlands and walking trails. It has as strong pastoral industry which supports one of Queensland s largest meat works at Kilcoy. It is home to the Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams and is a recreational playground for anglers, water sport and picnic enthusiasts. With rural residential growth particularly in the south, it also offers a close link to Brisbane s hinterland and the Sunshine Coastal areas to the north, the South Burnett to the West. REFER APPENDIX 2: Our Places Map OESR Queensland Regional Profiles RDA Ipswich & West Moreton RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

20 OUR PEOPLE The demographic story of Ipswich and West Moreton Region s recent past and future is largely one of population growth. It is this factor more than any other that explains the dynamic of the region. In the last decade, the region s rate of population growth has accelerated as much of Brisbane s new residential growth has been directed into the Western Corridor running through Ipswich and beyond. In the period , Ipswich and West Moreton experienced a percentage population growth rate of 11.6% compared with Queensland s growth in the same period of 10.7%.However, in the last five year period, , the region s population growth jumped by 17.3% compared with 13.4% for South East Queensland (SEQ) and 12.7% for Queensland as a whole. The population at June 30 last year was 267,419 people, with 172,000 of these living in the City of Ipswich 3. Recent population projections prepared by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) in the Queensland Treasury forecast the region s population growth to increase by 148% over the next 20 years to some 640,000 people in 2031, compared with an increase of only 43% for the whole of Queensland in the same period. Much of the recent and projected growth will occur in Ipswich, accounting for some 287,000 people out of a total population increase for the region of 366,000 in the 20 years to This represents 77% of the projected population growth over the next 20 years. However the other three local government areas in the region have also been growing substantially and are set to maintain high rates of population growth. The most recent population estimates provided by the OESR revealed that 3 out of the 10 fastest growing local government areas in Queensland are in Ipswich and West Moreton region (Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and Somerset) 4. It is worth noting that the Ipswich and West Moreton region alone will account for nearly 20% of Queensland s total forecast population growth over the next 20 years 5. The region s age profile has become younger over the last decade, reflecting the build-up in population comprising a younger cohort of young families and children. This trend is likely to be maintained. Ipswich will exhibit this trend to the greatest extent, although the previous tendency towards an ageing population in Somerset and Scenic Rim is likely to be ameliorated by relatively solid population growth. At the 2011 census for example, the median ages in Ipswich was 32 years, while it was 41 years in Somerset and Scenic Rim. 6 Queensland s overall age profile exhibits a dip in the late teens and young adult years, reflecting in part the movement of young people interstate and overseas for education, work and travel opportunities. However, this dip is accentuated in Ipswich and West Moreton region, where the relative paucity of opportunities for young people in the outlying areas of the region results in a higher proportion leaving home post-secondary school. The region is becoming more ethnically diverse, no doubt reflecting the impact of overseas migration generally. At the last census, the proportion of overseas born residents had grown to nearly 17%, compared to 3 OESR based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011, cat. no OESR Population Growth Highlights and Trends, Queensland 2012, June OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition 6 OESR based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011, cat. no RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

21 13.6% in A particular factor providing an added dimension to this characteristic is the growing reliance of the farming sector on overseas labour, either coming in on 457 visas or student working holidays. Beyond the dry facts of our demography, any account of the people of this region cannot ignore their resilience, so amply demonstrated during the devastating floods of This natural disaster took an enormous toll on countless families, yet only 18 months on from the events of January 2011, there are strong signs of recovery in the most affected communities. Demographic profile data sets are included for reference in this Roadmap. REFER APPENDIX 3: Our People Map REFER APPENDIX 9: Demographic Tables and Graphs REFER APPENDIX 11: Community Services Tables OUR ECONOMY The state government is renewing its focus on developing Queensland s strengths in tourism, agriculture, resources and construction. With a strong alignment to our economy, the Roadmap identifies relevant goals, priorities and projects which will support and enhance these imperatives. While the mid to long term outlook for the region continues to be for strong growth and economic development, the region has recently been experiencing more difficult economic conditions. The aftermath of the GFC combined with the impact of the recent floods have impacted on large, medium sized and small businesses in the region. While businesses are now recovering from flood impacts, the uncertain national economic outlook is likely to continue to impact the region. Lower consumer and business confidence is affecting investment, employment growth and business earnings. Like all periods of economic change, uncertainty creates opportunities for some, strengthens the resolve of many businesses, but can result in some business failures. The fundamental strength of the region s economy remains unchanged - South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and the Western Corridor of Ipswich and West Moreton will be a major driver of future economic and employment growth. Ipswich and West Moreton region contains 80% of all new industrial land under investigation and 44% of known available industrial land supply for SEQ industry development over the next 5 10yrs (OESR Industrial Land Development Activity Profile SEQ - Dec 2010). It is projected that continued take-up of new industrial land in South East Queensland will mainly come from commercial development in Bromelton, Redbank Motorway Estate, Swanbank Enterprise Park, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karrabin, Purga, Ebenezer and the potential Gatton West Industry Zone (GWIZ). Population growth in Ripley Valley, Springfield and the wider region will drive demand for retail and other services in the region as well as demand for local jobs. A continued focus on job creation is a priority for the region, providing employment in regional centres and strengthening Ipswich as a major employment hub with 20 employment and population growth centres available that will have the potential for generating an additional 120,000 jobs, just in Ipswich alone. (Development Plan Ipswich City ). Managing this growth so it adds to and supports local economies is important. Consultation and collaboration with all levels of government, particularly economic development units in regional Councils and the Local Government Association of Queensland will play a key role in shaping this sustainable growth for the region. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

22 A snapshot of some industry sectors contributing to the region as current drivers for growth are articulated in the attached table referred to below. This table defines markets, focus and growth imperatives. The RDAIWM goal is to broaden and grow this region s economic base for the future through the defined regional priorities identified in this Roadmap. REFER APPENDIX 4: Our Economy Map REFER APPENDIX 8: Industry Sectors Driving Growth in the Ipswich and West Moreton Region Table APPENDIX 10: Economic Tables and Graphs OUR INFRASTRUCTURE The region is traversed and connected by national highways and main road transport links including the Warrego Highway, Cunningham Highway, Mount Lindesay Highway, Brisbane Valley Highway, D Aguilar Highway, Centenary Highway and the Ipswich Motorway. This network of highways connects Ipswich and West Moreton with markets and regions as far north as Darwin and as far south as Melbourne, as well as central and western Queensland. It also links our region with Brisbane s sea and air ports and distribution centres. The western rail line extends from Cunnamulla, Quilpie and Charleville through Toowoomba, Rosewood and Ipswich to Brisbane. From Rosewood to Brisbane, this line shares heavy commuter passenger traffic with freight, which is typically destined for the Port of Brisbane for export. The Interstate southern rail line extends from Brisbane through Acacia Ridge and Bromelton (in Scenic Rim Regional Council) to Sydney and Melbourne. The Interstate line is a standard gauge rail line, which is shared between freight and interstate passenger transport services. A passenger rail connects Richlands to the Ipswich / Brisbane line and, in 2013, this line will be extended to Springfield in Ipswich city. Significant parts of Ipswich and West Moreton are serviced by Australia s most secure major urban water supply in the SEQ water grid. Major parts of the integrated water grid are located in this region, including: various dams Somerset, Wivenhoe, Wyaralong, Moogerah and Maroon; the Southern Regional Water Pipeline; and the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme. Our energy needs are met predominately by electricity and gas, with a growing renewable energy market. Ipswich and West Moreton is home to Swanbank gas fired power station, which contributes to the Powerlink high voltage electricity network and Energex SEQ distribution network. An additional gas fired power station is planned in Swanbank Enterprise Park. The region s digital economy will be enhanced in the near future by early National Broadband Network rollout to substantial parts of the Ipswich and West Moreton, with some areas currently underway. Confirmation of the rollout arrangements as they progress can be viewed at REFER APPENDIX 5: Our Infrastructure Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

23 OUR STAKEHOLDERS The following diagram maps the many sectors with which RDA Ipswich and West Moreton endeavours to engage. This list is indicative of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton s broad engagement strategy for input into the key issues, vision, goals and priorities when developing and delivering the Roadmap. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Stakeholder and Engagement Map AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT RDA IPSWICH & WEST MORETON Inc. LOCAL GOVERNMENT Somerset RC Scenic Rim RC Lockyer Valley RC Ipswich CC REGIONAL COMMUNITIES RESIDENTS COMMUNITY (SUPPORT AND SERVICES) BUSINESS & INDUSTRY HEALTH, EDUCATION & TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People Churches Housing & Homeless Construction Hospitals & Community Health Water Older People Sports & Recreation Employment Manufacturing, Processing & Transport University of Queensland Oil/Gas/Mining Young People Service Clubs Disability Services Retail & Wholesale University of Southern Queensland Electricity Families Cultural & Heritage Advocacy Farming & Agriculture TAFE & VET Sector Technology & Communication People with a Disability Land Care & Environment Aged Care Tourism Schools & Colleges Transport Students & Guest Workers Biosecurity Child Care Aerospace & Aviation Innovation Centres Recreation People from a Multi-Cultural Background Emergency Services & Disaster ICT Equine Industry Business Support Centres Social & Environment RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

24 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MECHANISMS, PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION We build our partnerships and collaborations with our many stakeholders through the main consultative mechanisms described below. Regional Leaders Forum: The Regional Leaders Forum is our lighthouse engagement event for the year. The Annual Regional Leaders Forum was held at the Ipswich Campus of the University of Queensland on 9 May 2012 with around 90 business, community and government sector leaders and support stakeholders attending. Through it, we obtained the views from across the Ipswich and West Moreton region about planning for the sustainable development of the region. The Forum consisted of three main sections: Introductory and Regional Report Back Sessions Guest Speakers on Coal Seam Gas, Mining and Regional Economics Leaders and Stakeholder Plenary Session Comprehensive notes of the Regional Leaders Forum are published on our website SEQ West Chambers of Commerce Forum: We undertake two SEQ West Chambers of Commerce Forums each year. Executives of the majority of the region s 13 Chambers of Commerce and Industry attend these Forums. Through these Forums we obtain the views of the region s commerce and industry representatives and practitioners about matters of concern to them and planning for the region to address those concerns. We maintain a special website membership group to distribute Forum minutes and associated documents and receive input additional to the physical Forums. Regional Chambers of Commerce Cluster Meetings: This is a new engagement process being developed by RDA Ipswich and West Moreton. It involves two meetings each year with representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in each of three areas of the region. The focus is similar to that of the Chamber of Commerce Forums, but the cluster meeting arrangement provides an opportunity for closer consultation with a broader range of Chamber representatives in a more collegiate environment. The Chambers of Commerce website membership group also services the Chamber Cluster Meetings. Key Stakeholder Meetings: During the course of the year the Chair and Executive Officer of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton have face to face meetings with various key stakeholders throughout the region, including Queensland and Australian Members of Parliament and Council Mayors and Chief Executive Officers. These meetings brief stakeholders on RDA Ipswich and West Moreton activity and planning and obtain stakeholder input on regional issues, particularly development challenges, comparative advantages and risks to regional sustainability for consideration in the Roadmap preparation. Government and Agency Interaction: Members of the RDAIWM Committee and the Executive Officer engage with various Australian and Queensland government agencies and regional Councils to ensure targeted government and agency interaction occurs and broader cross regional initiatives are considered and developed. Representatives of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning attend all RDAIWM Committee meetings and working groups to provide a conduit of information and support between the various RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

25 Queensland Government departments and service agencies to inform and assist in the Roadmap development and implementation. Consultation meetings are also conducted at the final draft stages of RDAIWM roadmap development. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Website/Newsletters: The website and newsletters provide a portal for important communique with our regional stakeholders and is accessible to the whole community. The website is a user friendly, easy to follow interactive forum, allowing anyone to post important information and feedback on regional priorities. This helps to inform the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton on the development of the Roadmap as well as ongoing delivery and review. Links to important government planning and information are made available through the website. Roadmap RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Working Groups: Work undertaken in the development of the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton s priorities is a valuable engagement mechanism and source of consultative input to the Roadmap. In some cases this involves formal working groups and in some cases loose collaborations. In , such arrangements included: Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Amberley Aerospace and Defence Support Centre Ripley Valley Integrated Human Services and Facilities Indigenous Employment Co-ordination Not-for-Profit Organisational Capability Regional Equine Strategy Access to Information and Communication Technology and Services ROADMAP STAKEHOLDER JOURNEY The figure below describes the stakeholder engagement journey for the preparation of the Roadmap. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

26 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS The strengths, weaknesses, gaps, risks to regional sustainability and opportunities described herein have been drawn from stakeholder engagement and a review of local and regional planning documents. This strategic analysis takes a more granular view of the broader categories of regional challenges, advantages and risks identified under Key Issues in the Roadmap Highlights section and take into consideration the Queensland Government four key pillars where there is a renewed focus on developing Queensland s strengths in tourism, agriculture, resources and construction. The regional weaknesses and gaps in this strategic analysis are generally aligned with the regional development challenges identified in the Key Issues section; the risks to regional sustainability are directly aligned with the risks in the Key Issues section; and the strengths and opportunities are generally aligned with the regional comparative advantages outlined in the Key issues section. Analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, gaps, risks and opportunities set out below, in the context of the Roadmap Question, leads to conclusions about the regional vision, goals and priorities. STRENGTHS The Ipswich and West Moreton region exhibits the following strengths: Situated in reasonable proximity to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba; An agreeable sub-tropical climate, outstanding natural assets and diverse urban/rural mix provide attractive and affordable lifestyle choices; A strong sense of community, diverse cultural mix, and proud local history and heritage; A diverse economy with a mix of small rural villages, rural farming areas, established suburbs, traditional Ipswich City, large new master planned communities and large industry parks; Three major university campuses; Lockyer Valley s potential as a leading Australian sustainable food bowl and other regional good quality agricultural land; Australia s largest defence base at Amberley with just over 3,700 personnel. Robust economic foundations with established aerospace infrastructure, rural industries, water infrastructure, educational facilities (schools, TAFE, UQ College major university campuses) and a range of service, manufacturing and heavy industries; The region contains 44% (OESR) of future available industry land supply in SEQ projected for the 5-10yr period from 2010, including inland port potential; Strategic transport routes connect major parts of the region to air and sea ports; As part of SEQ, it has the most secure major population urban water supply in Australia, through the SEQ Water Grid; Ipswich is a designated state government regional administrative and services centre, and will accommodate increasing numbers of state government workers; As a designated region for major population and industry growth (under the South East Queensland Regional Plan) the Ipswich and West Moreton region will benefit from a major influx of investment in the coming decades; Extensive regional, water, community, land use and natural resource management planning has been undertaken over the past decade providing a level of certainty for developers, business and the community; RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

27 Has considerable recreational assets available for enhancement to support the economy whilst respecting the environment; and In general, the region is seen as a go-ahead area with strong local leadership. There is much optimism regarding the region s future. WEAKNESSES The following weaknesses provide challenges for the region including: limited flood immunity of bridges over the Brisbane river influences flood storage management at Wivenhoe dam; poor waterway heath in some parts of the region; inadequate planning or regulation of coal seam gas and mining and poor understanding of implications; inadequate assessment of urban pressure on good quality agricultural land, environment and biodiversity; notwithstanding significant SEQ regional planning, major infrastructure (freight and passenger transport, schools and health) is still lagging behind demand; public, private and community sector agencies continue to face challenges in providing services and supporting community capacity in a widespread and growing population, especially in rural areas. Examples of these challenges are a lack of community and health services, transport options, and mobile telephony; historically, there has been a negative image of some parts of the region. lower than average education levels, areas of social disadvantage, and a focus on blue collar industries have contributed to this perception; the region is seen as neither fully urban, nor rural, and consequently has missed out on many initiatives which target either city needs or rural community requirements; education is a key leverage point for sustainable regional development. however, education and training opportunities are neither accessed nor accessible to many regional residents; the region is lacking in high end employment opportunities. this makes it difficult to retain local talent, or entice new people with advanced education or training to the region; business competition with cheap imports; no regional airport to support transport and logistics for freight movements and passenger travel; fly in fly out impacts on small business; inadequate small business capability has a significant impact on the region s employment levels and economic production, and impacts higher order supply chains; imported product dumping stresses relevant regional businesses; imported food produced under lower cost regimes and less stringent environmental and food safety regimes stresses relevant regional businesses; and poor take-up of the national broadband network and capacity to keep pace with a rapidly progressing digital economy will impact on social, economic and environmental sustainability and competitive advantage. GAPS The region currently has a number of gaps between its current situation and its future potential. They include: flood plain management, together with sound land use planning, is required in most upstream areas to allow flood plains to operate naturally to diminish intensity and velocity of flood events; community resilience in the face of natural disaster and biosecurity risks; inadequate small business capacity building in rural areas; RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

28 limited research and development activity; poor access to broadband and mobile telephony in many areas, which will be largely resolved over time with the NBN rollout; an expected lag in infrastructure investment given the relatively short time frame for major population and industry growth in the region; relatively limited funding for early intervention and prevention services; lack of an integrated approach to potential climate change issues (e.g. rural water security, food security and energy costs); absence of major arts, cultural and entertainment options and infrastructure; an emerging but not yet fully defined regional identity; major gaps in regional transport infrastructure and services; no integrated approach for collection and dissemination of regional information (mapping, planning, monitoring and reporting); lack of a regional response to emerging social issues (e.g. affordable housing, ageing population, health and education); limited attention towards articulating an Ipswich and West Moreton regional population capacity; need for improved development approval processes; lack of tourism infrastructure, amenities and destination branding; and lack of protection for the scenic rim from the growing potential for conflicting land use between agriculture, tourism, urban development, and the mining and resources industry. RISKS TO REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY Risks that could threaten regional sustainability include: inappropriate development of coal seam gas or mining could impact appropriately planned urban development; loss of good quality agricultural land to urbanisation, coal seam gas or mining - the region s good quality agricultural land is critical for the sustainability of Ipswich and West Moreton, South East Queensland and Australia; failure to secure rural water and appropriately develop Lockyer Valley as a sustainable food bowl presents a risk to the social and economic sustainability of Ipswich and West Moreton and South East Queensland as a whole - it is a matter that is not adequately addressed in the SEQ regional plan; poor conservation and management of environmental assets and biodiversity. The SEQ natural resource management plan clearly identifies risk implications and proposes mitigation strategies; failure to manage growth for sustainability is a high risk in a region that is predicted to more than double in population in 20 years; failure to appropriately develop business and industry (including regionally significant industry parks such as Bromelton, Redbank Peninsular, Swanbank, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karrabin, Purga, Ebenezer and the proposed Gatton West Industry Zone [GWIZ]) and supporting infrastructure to balance residential growth and generate a broader skills profile and more rewarding jobs, impacts economic capacity and community wellbeing; and failure to plan for strong productivity and connectedness in a rapidly changing digital economy. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

29 OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities identified for the region inform our future planning and build on our strengths and they include: recognising and embellishing our strengths in natural environment, fertile land, water supply, recreation, resources and proximity to major population centres and interstate transport routes; one of the most fertile valleys in Australia (Lockyer Valley) is situated in the heart of the region; major parts of the region experience the best urban water security in Australia; the largest defence base in Australia is located in the region; the lessons of the 2011 flood provide opportunities to build our resilience and capacity to better manage flood plains and the impacts of future disasters; the region s growth momentum can be harnessed through visionary leadership with a focus on sustainable development underpinned by optimisation of the region s comparative advantages and management of the regional risks; the region has ample industry land and two major freight rail lines, although one is at capacity; the opportunity, when responding to significant growth, to protect key regional attributes including a sense of community, lifestyle choices, heritage values, and the natural environment; an implicit symbiotic relationship between urban and rural in the Ipswich and West Moreton region, providing a basis for building a regional identity based on these attributes; sustainable development incorporating a key focus on building creative and innovative communities which embrace education and lifelong learning. The region offers many opportunities to both nurture local talent and attract new people. Education, research and development, and high-tech industries are key target areas for increasing participation in the knowledge economy; some specific development opportunities identified include high value manufacturing industries; best practice sustainability at greenfield sites (e.g. urban and housing design, green energy, local employment, transport, water use, social sustainability); leveraging off the growth of aviation and aerospace industries; and promoting the region s lifestyle opportunities relating to tourism, recreation, retirement, quality regional produce, heritage, adventure, natural environment, arts, culture and entertainment; emerging broadband and services present new and exciting opportunities to support sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes. Examples of these opportunities exist in governance, training, employment, supply chain management, service delivery, energy use, health, agricultural industries and environmental management; and an opportunity to link local people with local employment, creating a decentralised development approach that embraces diverse economic and employment opportunities. RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING POLICY AND PLANNING (AUSTRALIAN, QUEENSLAND AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT) The Key Issues section of the Roadmap Highlights identified Queensland Government, Council and Regional Development Australia planning applicable in the Ipswich and West Moreton region. Of the twenty applicable planning instruments the head plan is the SEQ Regional Plan, which is the Queensland Government s sustainability plan for SEQ, of which Ipswich and West Moreton is about half. The SEQ Regional Plan guides all other planning impacting the region, including Council community planning, land use planning, and State and Council infrastructure development. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

30 Australian Government policy applies in varying ways to the region. Australian Government policies that may impact the region include: Infrastructure Australia (Infrastructure Australia Act 2008); National Digital Economy Strategy and National Broadband Network (three year roll out); Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century (May 2009); National Aviation Policy (December 2009); Regional Development Australia (Charter released September 2009); National Ports Strategy (December 2010); National Land Freight Strategy (consultation paper issued February 2011); Sustainable Australia Sustainable Communities Strategy (May 2011); National Urban Policy (May 2011); Investing in Regional Australia; National Digital Economy Strategy (May 2011); Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (and the Government s August 2011 reform response to Dr Allan Hawke review); Infrastructure Finance and Funding Reform (April 2012 Report to infrastructure Australia); and National Food Plan (Green Paper released in July 2012). An important achievement of the Roadmap will be to inform ongoing Council, SEQ, Queensland and national planning and policy development. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

31 VISION Our vision is sustainable communities in a connected region. It embraces the SEQ Regional Plan s vision for a future that is sustainable, affordable, prosperous, liveable and resilient to climate change, where: communities are safe, healthy, accessible and inclusive; there are diverse employment opportunities and quality infrastructure and services, including education and health; urban and rural areas are mutually supportive and collaborative in creating wealth for the community; development is sustainable and well designed, and where the subtropical character of the region is recognised and reinforced; ecological and culturally significant landscapes are valued, celebrated, protected and enhanced; and community has access to a range of quality, open space and recreational opportunities. Ipswich and West Moreton comprises approximately half of South East Queensland in the Council areas of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset. These Council areas contain a broad spectrum of size and type of communities ranging from Ipswich City (population 172,000) to mid-size towns to tiny rural villages and sparse farming communities. Our communities possess strong industrial, agricultural, logistic and service capacities. Regional planning in Ipswich and West Moreton, through the SEQ Regional Plan, is quite mature. Council Community Plans are relatively new and are improving on previously well established strategic and corporate plans. Council land use planning is very mature. The individual Council visions for their areas support the SEQ Regional Plan vision. Future development of Ipswich and West Moreton includes: fast growth (2006 to 2011 IWM 3.2% compared to Qld 1.8%; and projected 2011 to 2031 IWM 4.3% compared to Qld 1.8%) 7 ; new master planned communities of Springfield (ultimate 85,000) and Ripley Valley (ultimate 120,000) 8 ; commenced/proposed major industry parks at Bromelton, Redbank Motorway Estate, Swanbank Enterprise Park, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karrabin, Purga, Ebenezer and Gatton West Industry Zone(GWIZ); emerging aerospace and defence industries; and development of Lockyer Valley as one of Australia s top sustainable food bowls. Rapid growth can place communities under stress as the social and economic infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the needs of individuals and families. Sustainability of the communities of Ipswich and West Moreton is reliant upon effective transport, utility and communications connectivity as a critical part of the region s planning and design platform to address its development challenges, optimise its comparative advantages and manage risks to its sustainability. Our vision, supporting goals and regional priorities will encourage sound regional and urban design for productivity and sustainability. They will promote efficient infrastructure and services to develop regional connectivity and human and economic capital, while protecting and enhancing our natural assets and retaining the positive aspects of our current lifestyle. Refer to the diagram in the Roadmap Highlights section for the relationships between the regional vision, goals, priorities and RDAIWM projects. 7 OESR Population Growth Highlights and Trends, Queensland 2012, June Queenssland Urban Land Development Authority, Employment Analysis and Planning Study: Greenfield Urban Development Areas, 2010 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

32 GOALS The goals identified will be attained through existing statutory planning and the regional priorities, which help optimise our comparative advantages and manage our risks to ensure the region s sustainability is not threatened. The delivery strategy involves several regional priorities, which are described later in this Roadmap. We want to build sustainable communities in a region that is connected, productive, creative and resilient. The region will focus on productivity and sustainability and adopt new technologies and business models. It will look forward with optimism and play an important role in the SEQ, Queensland and national economies. The goals are summarised below and subsequently described in more detail. Most of them are addressed to some extent by existing regional and Council planning. The goals are: improve our human capital; protect and enhance our natural assets; and broaden and grow our economic base. The regional priorities respond to the previously enunciated Roadmap Question. The intent is to help integrate regional development effort and not duplicate existing planning or effort. Some priorities support multiple goals and some support individual goals. In some cases, subject to funding, RDAIWM will undertake specific projects to contribute to a regional priority. The goals are more fully described below and the regional priorities are individually described in a later subsection. IMPROVE OUR HUMAN CAPITAL Ipswich and West Moreton region aims to improve its knowledge base. Whilst there is a proud history of training people for its traditional occupations in manufacturing, transport, mining and agriculture, the nature of the regional economy is changing. There is a commensurate need for our workforce to acquire new skills and qualifications that will equip them for a very different regional economy than has been the case previously. Even where established industries such as agriculture have a bright future, the changing face of these industries demands the acquisition of new skills, qualifications and experience. At the 2011 Census, the percentage of young people completing Year 11 or 12 or equivalent still lagged markedly behind the rest of Queensland, 48% to 55.3% (2011 Census). On the other hand, the region has an above average number of continuing TAFE students which suggests a strong demand for vocational training. Our goal is to improve the region s human capital by increasing the proportion of young people completing year 12 and progressing on to tertiary and further education, by increasing the range and depth of specialised technical training opportunities to service the mining services, aerospace, agricultural, health and human services and digital economy industries. The steady expansion of the University of Queensland campuses at Ipswich and Gatton and the University of Southern Queensland campus at Springfield, together with the growth of Bremer TAFE have added considerably to the region s educational capacity in recent years. Further development of these institutions and their education and training offerings will be a vital part of our human capital base for the years ahead. Strengthening recreational assets can contribute to our human capital by improving the health, liveability and social interaction of our community. This can also contribute to the attractiveness for migration of skilled labour in areas where critical shortages arise. The Not-for-Profit sector is an important and significant contributor to our human capital that requires capacity and capability improvements to help sustain social services. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

33 PROTECT AND ENHANCE OUR NATURAL ASSETS The Natural Assets of the region provide a significant opportunity to underpin economic and social growth. While existing local and regional planning recognise the importance of these assets to varying degrees they do not provide the capacity to effectively deal with the pressures of growth and conflicting land use. There is a real need to identify the landscape attributes and values that are required to be preserved and provide certainty to investment in these landscapes. Our goal is to protect and enhance the natural assets of the region with a view to supporting the sustainable development of the region and encourage investment by providing certainty and opportunity to take advantage of the natural assets of the region and their location in respect of the growing areas of SEQ. Some of the key areas identified, but not exclusive to the regions natural assets requiring protection and enhancement, include the biodiversity corridor of Flinders Karawatha which is recognised in the SEQ Regional Plan and supports the proposed National Wildlife Corridor legislation, Biodiversity Fund and Caring for our Country program. The corridor also links to the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests in the southern part of the region. The Ipswich and West Moreton region has significant waterways, wetlands, dams and floodplains outlined in the Health Country River and Landscape Restoration Plan. These are important in providing good quality water and agricultural land for food and fibre production. These waterways are important natural infrastructure which underpins the economic and social wellbeing of the region. The region has the ability to supply food and fibre to the growing population of SEQ and Australia and overseas, providing there is a reliable supply of good quality water, land is managed sustainably and productive rural land use is not constrained by the pressures of development and infrastructure provision. Agricultural land needs to be protected from soil and nutrient loss and degradation from weeds and other pests. Queensland and Australian government priorities through programs like the State NRM program and Caring for our Country support this goal. REFER APPENDIX 6: Rural Production Map BROADEN AND GROW OUR ECONOMIC BASE The definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (United Nations Brundtland Commission Report 1987). Sustainable development is about balance. Australia s greatest challenge is to accommodate about 13 million additional people by 2050 in a productive and sustainable way (2010 Australian Government Intergenerational Report). This is an increase from 22.2 million in 2010 to about 29.2 million in 2030 (31% increase), to about 35.9 million in 2050 (a further 23% increase) 9. The Queensland Government s Office of Economic and Statistical Research projects the population of Ipswich and West Moreton to increase by 137%, from 270,000 in 2011 to 641,000 in 2031, while the population of Australia is increasing by about 33%. 10 That means we will have to punch way above our weight, because substantial population increase without jobs growth is not sustainable. 9 Australian Treasury, Intergenerational Report, OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

34 Given these circumstances, two things are obvious: to be sustainable, Ipswich and West Moreton must broaden and grow its economic base in a very significant way, whilst maintaining balance with environmental and social sustainability imperatives; and if Ipswich and West Moreton can broaden and grow its economic base significantly, in balance with environmental and social sustainability imperatives, it will be a major contributor to Australia s national objective of accommodating 13 million additional people by 2050 in a productive and sustainable way. Our goal to broaden and grow this region s economic base is encapsulated in our regional priorities of: Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development Ipswich and West Moreton Digital Economy; Development of Regionally Significant Industry Parks Southern Freight Rail Development RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

35 REGIONAL PRIORITIES Together with existing statutory planning outcomes, the regional priorities contribute to achievement of the regional goals and vision. The regional priorities outlined in the balance of this section are outcomes of the regional strategic analysis and respond to the Roadmap Question: In the context of meeting development challenges, optimising advantages and managing risks to sustainability, what are the regional priorities that: are not adequately addressed by existing statutory planning; or require integrated multi-government response; or are of such regional significance that warrants identification for the benefit of all levels of government? RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will advocate and help integrate multi-government effort in relation to the regional priorities; and, subject to funding, will undertake some specific projects to contribute directly to particular regional priorities. LOCKYER VALLEY SUSTAINABLE FOOD BOWL Lockyer Valley has the potential to be a nationally significant sustainable food bowl; and contribute to South East Queensland (SEQ), Queensland and national objectives as a core element of a food security supply chain for SEQ, Australia and the Asia Pacific region. This regional priority particularly supports the aim of the evolving National Food Plan, which is to foster a sustainable, globally competitive, resilient food supply that supports access to nutritious and affordable food. The Lockyer Valley s potential and comparative advantage are enhanced by its: fertility, resultant from its rare geographic configuration; capacity to supply vegetables, grains and other crops (valued at about $140m pa, with total agriculture sector valued at $180m pa) throughout most of the year, including times when other Australian horticultural areas do not produce the same products; and proximity to SEQ s secure water supply, ample industrial land, good highway and rail connections to aviation and sea ports, and large metropolitan population, as consumers and workforce. Access to a secure and affordable water supply has been previously identified as a key ingredient for a sustainable horticultural industry in Lockyer Valley. A Water Resource Plan and a Resource Operations Plan apply in the area. Queensland Urban Utilities has identified a potential scheme for delivery of recycled water from Lockyer Valley sewerage treatment plants to irrigators. RDAIWM recommends the ultimate water scheme incorporate sustainability design concepts involving dam, recycled and purified recycled feed water to ensure optimisation of long-term scheme capability, including quantity, quality and reliability of scheme supply, and aquifer preservation. These enhancements can enable establishment of an efficient regional network of food production, food processing and metropolitan and export supply chains in one of the largest and fastest growing markets in Australia. Very few of Australia s 55 regions will be able to contribute to our national objectives in relation to food production, processing and logistics to the extent of the Lockyer Valley and its surrounding areas, including Ipswich s water endowed industry parks. Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the project described elsewhere in this Roadmap to facilitate this regional priority. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

36 RIPLEY VALLEY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION A classic opportunity for building an integrated sustainable community, through innovative urban design, is emerging in Ipswich in the form of the 120,000 master planned communities of Ripley Valley, the adjacent Swanbank Enterprise Park and the nearby Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development. This opportunity involves a large residential development and commercial centre, with capacity for integration with surrounding business, industry and outstanding natural assets. This regional priority substantially contributes to each of the region s goals and its vision of sustainable communities in a connected region, and the SEQ Regional Plan s vision. It also directly contributes to Australia s need to be able to accommodate about 13 million additional people by 2050 in a productive and sustainable way, thereby helping meet the challenge outlined in the Australian Government s Sustainable Australian Sustainable Communities Strategy and National Urban Policy. Development of the following features, with accompanying innovative business and industrial ecology, will be a hallmark of successful urban design of this expansive area as an integrated sustainable community: connected and symbiotic relationship between the residential, business, industrial and natural attributes of Ripley Valley, Swanbank and Amberley; residential ultimate population 120,000; regionally significant commercial and service centre; mixed use centres; integrated human services and facilities; residential walkability and efficient passive and active transportation; strong community capacity; workforce participation; Swanbank Enterprise Park (14,000 job generation potential estimated by Ipswich City Council); Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development adjacent to Australia s largest defence base at Amberley (Queensland Government owned land in expression of interest phase for private development to expand business opportunity for access to Australia s defence market); intra-regional and inter-regional transport connectivity; high capacity digital connectivity; efficient supply chains; healthy recreational facilities; sustainable environmental outcomes, including protection and enhancement of surrounding natural assets; and efficient water and energy consumption and waste recycling and disposal systems. Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the project described elsewhere in this Roadmap to facilitate this regional priority. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

37 AMBERLEY AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE DEVELOPMENT The Queensland government owns land adjacent to Australia s largest defence base at Amberley. The land comprises 143 ha, fronts the Cunningham Highway and has preliminary town planning approval for aerospace and defence related activities. In June 2012, the Queensland Government has invited expressions of interest for development of an aerospace and defence related business opportunity on the site. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton have identified development of an aerospace and defence business on the Amberley site as a regional priority to help achieve our regional goals and vision. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton refer to this business development, for the purposes of this Roadmap, as the Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development (Amberley ADD). The current Australian defence budget is about A$27 billion per year. Current spend on Defence Base personnel and infrastructure activities in Queensland amounts to about A$2 billion per year. Additional current spend on support of Defence major systems activity for the whole of Queensland amounts to about A$1.4 billion per year. Much of the major systems spend is interstate or outside Australia. The military aerospace and defence systems market sectors provide strong opportunities for Queensland industry to capture increased market share in a number of industry capability areas including aerospace design, software integration, systems integration, repair, overhaul, and modification. We recognise the potential of Amberley ADD to be structured to capture a substantially increased share of the defence industry market. Provided Amberley ADD is established appropriately, its share of the defence market is projected to be about $9 billion over the next 20 years (over $450 million per year on average). Approximately 85% of that market is currently performed in other states or offshore and would be new business for Queensland, generating about 3,000 full time jobs. To achieve this increased market share, Amberley ADD should: be developed with approved secure taxiway access to RAAF Base Amberley; be developed with a corporate governance framework that includes interface with government and defence organisations to ensure national, Defence, Australian Defence Force and state interests and requirements are met; and target the whole-of-life management, design, modification, maintenance and overhaul of military aircraft and systems for the Australian Defence Force on a whole-of-business basis. To be successful, Amberley ADD should provide dedicated sub-areas to allow clustering of synergistic aerospace and defence industry companies to service existing and opportunity defence markets. This approach recognises the diversity of companies involved in providing a complete capability and the differing environments within which individual companies operate. The capability spectrum ranges from companies requiring access to runways and taxiways through to companies providing professional design, modification and support services. Access to a runway should be available (with Defence approval) to Amberley ADD organisations by provision of a taxiway connection to RAAF Base Amberley from an Amberley ADD apron and hardstand area that will incorporate all required security measures. Amberley ADD corporate management could market Amberley ADD and pursue alternative markets and opportunities without the constraints or limitations imposed by working in Defence establishments. This will facilitate small and medium enterprises developing access to defence markets without dependence on major contractors. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

38 IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON DIGITAL ECONOMY The Ipswich & West Moreton region encompasses areas forecast to grow in population faster than anywhere else in Queensland and the region has major industry parks for securing strong business growth and employment. Early planning for Greenfield sites across the region has seen some areas being developed with fibre cabling to support technology advancement. There are other regional areas not as advanced in this area that will require accelerated technology infrastructure planning. Brownfield rollout of fibre cabling in parts of the Ipswich CBD under the National Broadband Network has commenced in 2012, which will provide access to sustainable high speed broadband for more than 50,000 homes and businesses in this region. Ipswich is well recognised for its leadership and commitment to information technology-led economic development, developing Australia s first Online Community with Global Info-Links in 1994 and has won international awards in relation to the knowledge economy of the twenty first century. Many other areas in our region in the past have been constrained by the lack of broadband capability. The Ipswich and West Moreton region recognises the digital economy as a productivity driver that is essential to our region s growth and competitiveness in a national and international market. This applies not only to product, service delivery and supply chains, but is also important to build human capital and create an environment that supports productive workers generating cost efficiencies for business, increased income opportunities and lifestyle balance for the community. Proprietary research in OECD countries with advanced broadband capability, suggests that SMEs that are active online are more successful, are growing more quickly and are reaching wider markets than their peers (Boston Consulting Group, 2010). Evidence also suggests that in a rural town with a population of 10,000, broadband would yield an additional jobs, broadband communities show increases in the number of businesses overall and in the number of businesses in IT-intensive sectors (MIT 2006). This RDA region is an emerging hub for leading companies and industries focused on enabling an innovative and productive digital economy, as demonstrated by the Polaris Data Centre at Springfield and the various activities already happening in the region to support these changes. It is well placed to harness the power of new technology for the development of companies, communities, educational institutions and government services. To succeed, this region will develop integrated technology strategies that support and build on our region s economic strengths such as agriculture, health, education, construction, manufacturing, logistics and the public and human services sector. We recognize this will be best achieved by all levels of government working collaboratively to build local and regional awareness and capability in alignment with the National Digital Economy Strategy. To capitalise on early increased broadband capacity in the region and to keep pace with a rapidly changing digital economy, Ipswich and West Moreton will focus on a consolidated approach with all three levels of government to increase knowledge and skills, improve productivity, create efficiency and develop a connected region. There is an interim satellite service (ISS) launched with approx. 96 active areas as at March 2012 in the RDAIWM region. A long term satellite service is expected to be launched for areas that will not receive fibre or fixed wireless in Fixed wireless high speed technology will be available to some of the less densely populated regional communities. Confirmation of the rollout arrangements as they progress can be viewed at RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

39 DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY PARKS South East Queensland generally and Ipswich and West Moreton s Western Corridor, in particular, have experienced substantial residential growth, but neither has been able to achieve the level of industry development necessary to maintain balanced economic viability. Population and jobs must grow together. Population without jobs is not sustainable. Industry in all its forms (from high technology, to food processing, to base manufacturing, to logistics) is the top of the supply chain and, consequently, fundamental to job generation and economic viability. Synergy and comparative advantage, through the traditional and evolving attributes of the Ipswich and West Moreton region, mean its existing and planned regionally significant industry parks are ideally placed to play an important role providing the necessary balance for economic viability. The parks of regional significance include Bromelton, Carole Park, Redbank Motorway Estate, Swanbank Enterprise Park, Citiswitch, Wulkuraka/Karabin, Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development, Purga, Ebenezer and potential for the Gatton West Industry Zone (GWIZ). They are accessible by large available workforces; and reasonable proximity to Lockyer Valley and Fassifern Valley also contributes to food processing potential of some of them. Development of these industry parks can deliver balanced economic viability in Ipswich and West Moreton, and contribute to SEQ, Queensland and national objectives. Water security, energy and communications are critical for population and industry. SEQ now has the most secure major population water supply in Australia. The National Broadband Network roll out will satisfy the requirements of most of the industry parks. However, there remains significant development approval processing and catalytic infrastructure provision to convert potential into reality. Accordingly, all levels of government need to focus on a comprehensive integrated response to ensure planning and relevant catalytic infrastructure is effectively progressed to provide the foundation and certainty necessary for private enterprise development of these regional significant industry parks. Subject to funding, RDAIWM will undertake the Ipswich and West Moreton Mining Services Study to contribute to this regional priority. Outcomes of the Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Strategy and Water Business Case, in relation to food processing, will also contribute to this regional priority. SOUTHERN FREIGHT RAIL DEVELOPMENT In February 2008 the Queensland Government reported on the findings of the SEQ Intermodal Freight Terminal Study. It identified recommendations of the Study including: Medium term solutions ( ) require an additional site to cater for approximately 650,000 TEU movements per annum, as a maximum. The most suitable existing site without substantial investment in additional infrastructure is Bromelton (assuming adequate non-transport infrastructure can be provided). Long term solutions (beyond 2020) include the development of a site at Greenbank (dependant on the long term strategy for the Greenbank Army Reserve) and the development of a site at Ebenezer (dependant on industry relocation and take-up of proposed industrial land to be developed south west of Ipswich as well as a dual gauge rail line to the site either from the existing interstate line or the proposed inland rail line when it occurs). RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

40 In the 2008 report on the Study, Queensland Transport recommended: The location of any future terminal(s) will have the potential to influence overall transport system efficiency and economic outcomes and therefore should support major transport infrastructure corridor(s). Consequently, a decision on the final site(s) for any future intermodal freight terminal(s) should be informed by the outcomes of the Southern Infrastructure Corridor Investigation (a key freight initiative of the SEQ Regional Plan), any future Federal Government decision about the North South Rail Corridor Study and the outcomes of other Federal Government AusLink studies (such as the Brisbane Cairns, Sydney Brisbane, Melbourne Brisbane, Brisbane Darwin and Brisbane Urban corridor studies). In October 2010, the Queensland government announced the final alignment of the Southern Freight Rail Corridor from Rosewood (just west of Ebenezer and Amberley, and on the Brisbane Charleville western railway line) to Kagaru (just north of Bromelton on the Brisbane Melbourne Interstate Line). The plan below identifies the Southern Freight Rail route. Map of Southern Freight Rail Corridor Alignment (Source Qld Government Website) The Queensland Government s Connecting SEQ 2031 report released in 2011 identified various signature freight projects including a dual gauge southern freight rail bypass from the Interstate Line at Kagaru to the Western Line west of Rosewood. To accommodate expected growth and support greater use of rail, the freight terminal strategy proposed by Connecting SEQ 2031 included a potential new intermodal terminal at Ebenezer in conjunction with the proposed Southern Freight Rail Corridor. The development of the Southern Freight Rail delivers a key element of Ipswich and West Moreton infrastructure which will immediately relieve the current mix of passenger / freight congestion on the Rosewood to Brisbane rail system. This critical SEQ metropolitan passenger arterial struggles with high passenger commuter traffic co-existing with substantial freight traffic. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

41 The Southern Freight Rail will assist this region s contribution to SEQ, Queensland and national economic development and port and freight objectives by establishing a vital dual gauge freight connection between two proposed major intermodal terminals at Bromelton (Kagaru) and Ebenezer. In doing so, it will provide a vital part of the standard gauge connection between the standard gauge Melbourne-Brisbane Interstate Line and the eventual standard gauge inland rail line. It will also directly contribute to these other regional priorities: Development of regionally Significant Industry Parks; and Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development. IMPROVED FLOOD IMMUNITY OF BRISBANE RIVER CROSSINGS TO ASSIST FLOOD MITIGATION The Stanley River flows into the Brisbane River, which flows through three of Ipswich and West Moreton s Council areas (Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Ipswich) to Brisbane and Moreton Bay. Somerset Dam (on the Stanley) and Wivenhoe Dam (on the Brisbane) are connected water supply and flood mitigation storages, which are situated upstream of Lowood in Somerset Regional Council. Flood storage release impact on particular river crossings downstream of the Wivenhoe Dam, between the dam wall and the junction of the Bremer and Brisbane rivers, is an important consideration of the Manual of Operational Procedures for Flood Mitigation at Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset Dam. Flood mitigation for the protection of life, property and natural assets in Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Ipswich and Brisbane is inhibited by the inadequate flood immunity of some of the low level crossings. Substantially improved flood immunity of particular crossings will facilitate improved Wivenhoe Dam flood storage management for flood mitigation purposes. Colleges Crossing is the most notable of these river crossings, because of substantial population on both sides of the river, in Ipswich and Brisbane. Colleges Crossing is a low level concrete causeway with minimal flood immunity. This is a sensitive issue that was part of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry into the devastating January 2011 SEQ floods. Construction of strategically located Brisbane River crossings, with appropriate flood immunity, is highly relevant for improvement of Wivenhoe Dam flood storage management capability, mitigation of Brisbane River floods, and protection of life, property and natural assets in Ipswich and West Moreton and Brisbane. COAL SEAM GAS AND MINING REGIONAL IMPACT One of the strongest issues emanating from RDA Ipswich and West Moreton s engagement with regional stakeholders was concern about the impact of coal seam gas and mining on the land, communities and sustainability of Ipswich and West Moreton. Because coal seam gas, in particular, was raised consistently in stakeholder consultation, we included Professor Chris Moran as a guest speaker on the subject at our Regional Leaders Forum in May Professor Moran is Director of the Sustainable Minerals Institute and Director of the Centre for Coal Seam Gas at the University of Queensland. His presentation is published on the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton website at RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

42 Coal seam gas and mining activities are undertaken according to the requirements of the Petroleum Act and Mineral Resources Act. Coordination of management and use of natural resources (including extractive resources and minerals) is the subject of principle 4.1 of the SEQ Regional Plan, which is the Queensland Government s sustainability plan for South East Queensland. Council planning schemes identify and protect key mineral resource areas from inappropriate development. Ipswich and West Moreton is home to 270,000 people in an area of 13,000sq km. It is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and projections are that it will remain in that category for the foreseeable future. It experienced 3.2% population growth from 2006 to 2011 compared to an average 1.8% for Queensland. 11 Its growth from 2011 to 2031 is forecast to be 4.3% compared to 1.8% for Queensland. 12 This significant population growth is occurring in a region that catches and stores the majority of SEQ s drinking water, contains some of SEQ s largest biodiversity corridors and is a substantial supplier of SEQ s fresh food. In these circumstances, our regional communities and leaders are rightly concerned to ensure that any proposals for coal seam gas or mining in Ipswich and West Moreton are thoroughly assessed by the relevant levels of government in relation to environmental, social and economic impacts. Such impacts should be assessed not only in respect of the particular project, but also in relation to aggregate impacts of multiple projects and cumulative impacts into the future. Communities are looking for surety from governments that any risks to the sustainability of the Ipswich and West Moreton region are being appropriately managed. REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT RECREATIONAL ASSET ENHANCEMENT Recreation asset growth is a priority for the Ipswich and West Moreton Region and requires a collaborative effort of all levels of government. It has a significant effect on building human capital by providing recreational amenity to support strong regional growth. It is vital in building the economy through tourism which is one of the four key pillars and future focus of the Qld Government as well as a priority for all local government in this region. The demography of the region includes world heritage-listed parks, scenic amenity, outdoor and outdoor recreational activity providing diverse opportunities to contribute further in strengthening our economy. There are a number of recreational assets identified as having further untapped potential in the region that are catalytic drivers for tourism such as the motorsport precinct of Willowbank, equine industry evident throughout the region, caravan and camping areas and assets that align with our biodiversity corridors supporting natural recreational assets such as bushwalking, water-sports, camping and parklands of heritage and national significance. A recent scoping study undertaken by the RDA Ipswich and West Moreton to assess potential of our regional equine industry provides evidence that the Ipswich and West Moreton Region horse use is now exclusively for sport and recreation purposes. This region is home to a diverse population of horse breeds used for many horse sports. The Ipswich and West Moreton Region is ideal for keeping horses, with good grazing land, good climate, adequate water supplies and close enough to Brisbane and regional centres for horse owners to access modern necessities of work, education, health care and retail outlets. One of the biggest threats and gaps to be addressed to secure a viable Horse Industry for the Ipswich and West Moreton Region is to ensure greater understanding and recognition of the economics of this industry and its supply chain capability in future policy and planning. A copy of the Equine Scoping Study can be viewed at: 11 OESR Population Growth Highlights and Trends, Queensland 2012, June OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

43 There is a priority to provide strong recreational assets that can: support and attract human capital including retention and migration of skilled workers for future growth; increase tourism to build investment for the economy; and support development of major industry precincts and master planned communities, to build the recreational assets that bridge the gap in regional development for a lifestyle that ensures the prosperity, health and well-being of communities. REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS A series of strategic regional corridors have been identified through the SEQ Regional Plan and the SEQ NRM Planning process as being critical components of a network of natural infrastructure, required to enhance the resilience of the environment and therefore the people and economy of SEQ. The region has a number of these corridors which provide large areas of habitat critical for providing and maintaining the ecosystem services of the region. While there are a series of strategic regional landscape corridors in the Ipswich and West Moreton area the Flinders Karawatha Corridor has been identified in the SEQ Regional Plan as a priority. This initiative also supports the proposed National Wildlife Corridor legislation, Biodiversity Fund and Caring for our Country program. The corridor links to the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests in the southern part of the region and extends from Karawatha Forest in Brisbane s southern suburbs to Flinders Peak, on to the south side of Ipswich and down to the Wyaralong Dam near Boonah. The corridor is about 563.5km² or hectares in size and about 60km long. While the corridor is recognised by both State and Local Government there is a critical need for investment into this area to realise the potential for environmental, economic and social outcomes. It is strategically placed close to the burgeoning growth areas in the Ipswich and West Moreton area. Key to the concept of land stewardship through environmental and vegetation offsets and carbon farming also provide opportunities for investment as well as landholders stewardship payments. REFER APPENDIX 1: Our Environment Map WATERWAY HEALTH AND CONNECTIVITY There is an extensive network of waterways in the region connecting landscapes and people across SEQ. Well managed waterways, wetlands, dams and floodplains not only provide good quality water and agricultural land for food and fibre production but can also function to absorb the destructive force of floods like those of 2011, thereby protecting life, natural assets and property including densely populated areas downstream like Ipswich and Brisbane. Greater acknowledgement and support for local governments and landholders as stewards of these waterways is a key for the sustainable future of SEQ. The SEQ Regional Natural Resources Management Plan identifies the importance of the management and enhancement of these waterways. It is imperative that these targets are supported in planning in the region and considered when development and infrastructure is being built. Of particular importance is continued targeted investment in the Healthy Country program aimed at reducing sediment loads in the Logan and Bremer rivers and the Lockyer Creek as sought by the SEQ Healthy Waterways Strategy and. Sharing the Load: A collaborative approach to investing in South East Queensland s waterways provides a model for resourcing the management of these waterways. Well managed waterways, wetlands, dams and floodplains not only provide good quality water and support agricultural land for food and fibre production but can also function to absorb the destructive force of floods like those of 2011 thereby protecting life and property. Waterways are important natural infrastructure which RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

44 underpins the economic and social wellbeing of the region. The Healthy Country project has been developed to work with local governments state agencies and landholders to manage sediment loss and stream stability to protect agricultural land and increase waterway health. Continued investment by local state and Australian governments will be necessary to achieve this and support the targets in the Australian Governments Caring for our Country program. The concept of land stewardship through offsets and carbon farming also provide opportunities for landholders. REFER APPENDIX 2: Our Places Map (including major waterways) SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND PROTECTION OF PRODUCTIVE RURAL LAND The region has the ability to supply large amounts of food and fibre to the growing population of SEQ and Australia providing there is a reliable supply of good quality water, land is managed sustainably and productive land use is not inappropriately constrained by the pressures of urban development, coal seam gap or mining and the lack of access to a reliable water supply. The SEQ NRM Plan contains a set of agreed targets aimed at maintaining the extent and condition of our rural landscapes to ensure the region plays a key role in contributing to the future security of food and fibre supply locally for SEQ and nationally for Australia. It is imperative that these targets are supported in planning in the region and considered when development and infrastructure in the region is being built. Assistance is also required to support land managers in the sustainable management of quality rural lands. The regions strategic cropping lands have the ability to supply food and fibre to the growing population of SEQ and Australia and overseas, providing there is a reliable supply of good quality water, land is managed sustainably and productive rural land use is not constrained by the pressures of development and infrastructure provision. Effective land use planning and protection of strategic cropping land will be essential to encourage the investment necessary to build increased agricultural production and associated processing capacity. Agricultural land needs to be protected from soil and nutrient loss and degradation from weeds and other pests. Priorities for the region include working with landholders to undertake property management planning and the uptake of land management and production practices that protect the land asset and improve land condition. The Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl regional priority also addresses this issue. Queensland and Australian government priorities through programs like the State NRM program and Caring for our Country provide support for meeting these objectives. The concept of land stewardship through water quality and other offsets as well as carbon farming provide opportunities for landholders. REFER APPENDIX 6: Rural Production Map REFER APPENDIX 7: Mining Interest and Strategic Cropping Lands Map NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY The Ipswich and West Moreton region has a large number of Not-for-Profit organisations (NFP) that contribute significantly to the economy. This sector is undergoing substantial structural change and is still feeling the effects of the devastating 2011 Queensland Floods. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton have identified NFP challenges to be addressed in order for them to be sustainable going forward. To address these challenges NFPs will need to build organisational capacity and capability. This is an important priority for the region due to the NFP sector s contribution to our economy and community wellbeing, especially in areas such as health and social assistance. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

45 In traditional GNP measures, NFPs make up an impressive 9.6% of the economy. NFPs represent 2.9% of all Australian enterprises, 3.3% of all outlets, 5.7% of the nation's revenue, and 14.5% of the Australian workforce. Current challenges impacting the region s NFP sector include: a slow and costly recovery from the 2011 Queensland Floods still impacting on the level of available NFP service delivery to the community; and significant Queensland Government investment reduction to NFP organisations across various service sectors together with widespread policy change. Also, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Taskforce has released its report this year, outlining its approach to regulating the sector which will include increased reporting requirements, record-keeping and regulatory monitoring. It is expected reviews will affect ATO concessions, Deductible Gift Recipients and charitable and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status. In its establishment phase, the ACNC is not expected to take over any functions of state and territory regulators (for example, incorporated associations, co-operatives or fundraising). This will mean a period of duplicate reporting for associations and co-operatives until such time as the commonwealth and the states and territories come to agreement on a single national regulator. Without the capacity and capability to meet these obligations, NFP organisations will not meet these challenges. The NFP sector requires collaborative input into policy decisions to educate and retain workers, build organisational capacity and capability and reduce impact on our economy. This should happen within a supportive policy framework. With high level growth in the Ipswich and West Moreton region, it is imperative we have an informed and robust NFP sector able to meet the continuing challenge of delivering a vast range of government services, lifting the socio-economic base of the region and increasing workforce participation, which is a key element of productivity. While the Ipswich and West Moreton region has a 5.2% unemployment rate compared to 5.5% for Queensland, participation rates are poor compared to rest of the state. The number of persons with a disability where there is a core activity need for assistance is 7.1% as a percentage of Queensland, compared to 4.4% for the total population of Queensland. 13 This demonstrates the importance for human and social services to be at an optimum. Additionally, the general labour force is of medium to low skill and there is a higher percentage of low socio economic population compared to the state average, increasing reliance on NFP community organisations, especially those who are supported by volunteers, to fill the service provision gap. With high level growth in the Ipswich and West Moreton region, it is imperative we have an informed and robust NFP sector able to meet the continuing challenge of delivering a vast range of government services, lifting the socio-economic base of the region and increasing workforce participation, which is a key element of productivity. REFER APPENDIX 10: Economic Tables and Graphs 13 OESR based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census Basic Community Profile RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

46 IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON EVIDENCE BASE The Ipswich and West Moreton Evidence Base will underpin the progressive development of the RDAIWM Roadmap; and support RDAIWM s input to the SEQ Regional Plan, which is the Queensland Government s statutory sustainability plan for SEQ and guides major infrastructure construction and Council community and land use plans. Through the Roadmap, the evidence base will also inform other planning and policy of the four regional Councils and Queensland and Australian governments, in relation to Ipswich and West Moreton. A robust and focussed regional evidence base is absolutely necessary to deliver the attributes and capabilities identified in this Roadmap. It will include data capture and geospatial presentation of relevant regional characteristics and issues, and relevant aspects of Australian, Queensland and Local Government plans and policy that impact the Ipswich and West Moreton region. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton started the development of the IWM Evidence Base in The first stage of development was presented at the Regional Leaders Forum at the University of Queensland Ipswich Campus on 9 May Eventual development of the Queensland Community Indicators will be a valuable contribution to the IWM Evidence Base. Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the project described elsewhere in this Roadmap to facilitate this regional priority. IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON SOCIAL PLANNING Social planning has traditionally been identified with planning for social infrastructure. Important as social infrastructure is, especially in areas experiencing significant population growth like Ipswich and West Moreton, social planning has as its central concern the development of sustainable communities in the widest sense of the term. As such, it has to be concerned with the balance between the fundamentals of social progress, health, education, housing, employment, income and safety and security. Without these fundamentals in place and in balance, individuals, families and communities will struggle to achieve their personal and communal goals. Sound social planning however proceeds from sound evidence base about the social state of our region and its constituent communities. In the absence of a robust and reliable evidence base, sound policy and effective action to address social issues is unlikely to emerge in a coherent form. The RDAIWM priority to develop our evidence base is crucial to the conduct of effective social planning in this region. Considerable work is already underway in analysing the 2011 census and other source material to provide a comprehensive view of the state of our region s society. This material however needs to be communicated to the widest possible range of stakeholders to build some consensus around the region s most important social priorities. The region s social planning priority is an essential element in achieving our goal of improving our human capital because it addresses many of the drivers associated with this goal. It is also closely linked to the notfor-profit organisational capacity and capability priority because many of the community level actions necessary to building sustainable communities rely on the energy and skill of not-for-profit associations. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

47 The Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration priority is also closely linked to the region s social planning because of the significance this very large new community will have in developing new models of community services delivery and social infrastructure. The significance of Ripley lies not only in its size (a final population the size of Toowoomba) but in the rare opportunity it presents to develop a totally integrated approach to sustainable development. Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the project described elsewhere in this Roadmap to facilitate this regional priority. REGIONAL WORKFORCE PLANNING The regional workforce planning priority recognises the need to identify the particular occupations and skills likely to be required as the region s industry capacity and service sector grows. Currently Ipswich has the highest diversity of business including construction, retail trade, transport-postal-warehousing, rental-hiringreal estate services, and professional-scientific-technical services. Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset have a large agriculture-forestry industry sector as well as a smaller number of those outlined for Ipswich. The requirement to shift reliance on our current business sector s skilled labour supply is partly in response to the major growth in population forecast for the region, but also in response to the development of significant industry parks throughout the region. This requires preparedness for attracting the right mix of industry to provide for our region as well as aligning training and skills that support the industry growth. Occupational sectors likely to require an increase in skilled labour availability include engineering and technical services, especially to meet expansion around Amberley as well as the exploitation of the potential for mining services support and logistics to capitalise on the development of multi-modal freight capacity at Bromelton and Purga on the Southern Freight Rail Line, food processing, and agriculture. Issues of supply and demand, training and qualifications, as well as their sequencing, all need to be addressed as part of the regional planning. This will require a collaborative approach utilising programs and services provided by all levels of government working closely with local government economic development units. Consideration of the current planning must include strategies in collaboration of all levels of Government and build on the Australian Government priority of improving education, skills and jobs outcomes for regional areas through the Regional Education, Skills and Jobs (RESJ) initiative, the Regional Education, Local Employment Coordinator (LEC) initiative and relevant local regional planning. Areas requiring special attention under this priority include: Increasing skills for small business through an industry sector tailored approach, including skilled workers for ICT service provision to align with the changes in the digital economy, to take advantage of improved access to digital economy opportunities afforded by the NBN rollout; Working across all levels of government to identify workforce planning that supports major development occurring in the region; Attracting an increased number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people to train for and take up careers in mainstream health and education services which are forecast to grow substantially over the next 20 years in line with forecast population growth; and Support the workforce development of the NFP sector as a major employment sector. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

48 RDAIWM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the following specific projects in relation to some of the regional priorities: Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl Strategy and Water Business Case; Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration Strategy; Ipswich and West Moreton Digital Economy Strategy; Development and Analysis of Ipswich and West Moreton Evidence Base; Ipswich and West Moreton Social Plan; and Ipswich and West Moreton Mining Services Study (contributing to the Development of Regionally Significant Industry Parks regional priority). LOCKYER VALLEY SUSTAINABLE FOOD BOWL STRATEGY AND WATER BUSINESS CASE The Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl regional priority is described in the Regional Priority section of this Roadmap and the full description is not reiterated here. Lockyer Valley is currently a reasonably productive food bowl; however it has the potential to be a nationally significant sustainable food bowl; and contribute to South East Queensland (SEQ), Queensland and national objectives including the evolving National Food Plan, as a core element of a food security supply chain for SEQ, Australia and the Asia Pacific region. There is a strong focus for the Lockyer Valley to establish a National Food Innovation and Training Centre to support this sector. During 2011/12, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton arranged preparation of terms of reference for a business case for the Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl initiative, based on a specification developed by the RDAIWM Water for Food Working Group. The Working Group includes representatives of RDAIWM, former Department of Environment and Resources Management, Queensland Water Commission, South East Queensland Water Grid Manager, SEQ Water, Queensland Urban Utilities, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Water Users Group, Irrigation Australia, Urban Water Security Research Alliance and Growcom. The Lockyer Valley s proximity to SEQ s secure water supply, ample industrial land, and good connectivity to aviation and sea ports can enable establishment of an efficient regional network of food production, processing and metropolitan and export supply chains in one of Australia s largest and fastest growing markets. Access to a secure and affordable water supply is essential for a sustainable horticultural industry in Lockyer Valley. Queensland Urban Utilities has identified a potential scheme for delivery of recycled water from Lockyer Valley sewerage treatment plants to irrigators. RDAIWM recommends the ultimate water scheme incorporate sustainability design concepts identified in the regional priority description. Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will commission and manage preparation of: a Strategy for development of Lockyer Valley and associated Ipswich and West Moreton facilities and infrastructure as an efficient food production, food processing and logistics network to supply to the SEQ, Australian and international markets; address regional environmental, economic and community development issues and work with Lockyer Valley Regional Council to incorporate the feasibility and development opportunities for a National Food Innovation & Training Centre; and RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

49 a Business Case for the Lockyer Valley Sustainable Food Bowl water scheme, which addresses local environmental, economic and community development issues, and incorporates sustainability design concepts involving dam, recycled and purified recycled feed water to ensure optimisation of long-term scheme capability, including quantity, quality and reliability of scheme supply, and aquifer preservation. RIPLEY VALLEY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION STRATEGY The Ripley Valley Sustainable Community Integration regional priority is described in the Regional Priority section of this Roadmap and the full description is not reiterated here. Productivity and community wellbeing are desirable outcomes of a sustainable community. Accordingly, issues that lead to those outcomes are essential ingredients of the development and maintenance of a community that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. 120,000 additional population without surrounding major job generators is not sustainable. A comprehensive guidance and facilitation strategy is necessary for development of a sustainable community encompassing the planned 120,000 community of Ripley Valley, adjacent Swanbank Enterprise Park, nearby Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development and surrounding outstanding natural assets. Work already undertaken during 2011/12 in partnership with Ripley Valley stakeholders includes the production of a comprehensive literature review of integrated community services, the conduct of a one day workshop on unpacking the service integration concept and the development of tri-partite framework for integrated community services in the Ripley Valley. Future success will involve an integrated multi-government effort to ensure government planning, policy and catalytic infrastructure support connectivity and integration of the three development elements. This will provide certainty and enhance the synergies and symbiotic relationships that provide the foundation for private enterprise development of a sustainable community. Success will substantially contribute to the Ipswich and West Moreton vision and SEQ, Queensland and national objectives, outlined in the Australian Government s Sustainable Australian Sustainable Communities Strategy and the National Urban Policy. Each of the three development areas of Ripley Valley, Swanbank and Amberley are the subject of existing preliminary planning approvals for their individual developments, but insufficient consideration has been given to the social and economic integration of the developments to ensure a sustainable community outcome. Assisting integration of multi-government regional development effort is a primary role of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton. However, this regional priority is of such size and complexity that integration of multigovernment effort and management of government and private developer stakeholder relationships requires guidance and facilitation by a comprehensive professionally developed strategy. Accordingly, subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will contribute to this regional priority by managing the preparation and implementation of a strategy to guide and facilitate integration of multigovernment effort and management of government and private developer stakeholder relationships to establish the basis for Ripley Valley sustainable community integration. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

50 IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON DIGITAL ECONOMY STRATEGY The Ipswich and West Moreton Digital Economy priority is described in the Regional Priority section of this Roadmap and the full description is not reiterated here. The Ipswich and West Moreton region recognises the digital economy as a productivity driver that is essential to our region s growth and competitiveness in a national and international market. This applies not only to product, service delivery and supply chains, but is also important to build human capital and create an environment that supports productivity gains, generating cost efficiencies for business, increased income opportunities, employment and lifestyle balance for the community. It is evident that the digital economy of the Ipswich and West Moreton region will require careful planning to prepare for fast paced changes occurring in the digital economy. RDAIWM have received Australian Government funding assistance to develop a regional digital economy strategy; Ipswich and West Moreton a Connected and Productive Region! which will inform future planning and delivery for regional digital economy initiatives. This strategy includes promoting the NBN and the digital economy by: assisting business and community organisations to implement strategies enabling them to make the most of the increased access to the broadband capacity to improve productivity, markets, supply chains and business efficiencies; identifying co investment and network extension opportunities for local governments, other appropriate organisations and NBN Co to extend fibre and fixed wireless implementation and cost sharing for conduit implementation; promoting efforts to ensure more isolated areas of the region are appropriately served by fibre, fixed wireless and satellite broadband; developing and undertaking consultation for this 10 Year Digital Economy Strategy/Roadmap for the region, aligning with the Federal Government Digital Economy Strategy and Ipswich City Council s InfoCity Digital Economy Plan; and Promoting deeper awareness and knowledge of the benefits that the NBN can deliver in line with the announced early NBN rollout activities within the region, being - NBN 2 nd release fibre rollout (Goodna, Ipswich, Withcott) - NBN fibre rollout in new estates (Grantham, Lockyer Valley and various sites in Ipswich) - NBN 1 st release fixed wireless rollout (Lockyer Valley region as part of Toowoomba rollout). The estimated economic, health and social benefits to the region of this project include the following. Cost effectiveness: A co investment strategy aims to streamline the installation of NBN Co conduit in the region by sharing the cost between NBN Co, local government and other appropriate organisations. The value of the co investment will reduce asset and community impacts and it will streamline delivery of the NBN infrastructure. Enabling productivity and increased competitiveness for businesses: The Digital Economy Forum will use case studies to demonstrate the efficiency of using digital business models to increase productivity. This will not only save individual organisations money, but also enable local businesses to compete nationally and internationally. Assisting Marginalised people: RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

51 One of the NBN sites is Goodna, an area of socio-economic disadvantage. The strategy will encompass initiatives to target businesses and organisations working with Indigenous people and people from the Pacific Islands living in Goodna and other parts of the region to assist them to make the most of the digital economy. Providing a future focus: A Digital Economy Strategy/Roadmap will provide a focus for activities in the region over the next 10 years to further establish the local digital economy in an effort to diversify the region s traditional economic market segments, in line with the NBN and other Broadband rollout throughout the region. DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF IPSWICH & WEST MORETON EVIDENCE BASE The Ipswich and West Moreton Evidence Base regional priority is described in the Regional Priority section of this Roadmap. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton started the development of the IWM Evidence Base in 2011/12. The first stage of development was presented at the Regional Leaders Forum at the University of Queensland Ipswich Campus on 9 May Subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will progress the development and analysis of the IWM Evidence Base in future stages, as required to satisfy the evidence based regional planning requirements of Ipswich and West Moreton to assist its contribution to SEQ, Queensland and national objectives. It will be developed progressively to include data capture and geospatial presentation of relevant Ipswich and West Moreton characteristics and issues. Its progressive development will include relevant aspects of the Queensland Government s SEQ Regional Plan and infrastructure program; and relevant elements of the community, land use, infrastructure, and environmental and economic development plans of the Councils of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer valley and Somerset. The IWM Evidence Base will also progressively capture aspects of Australian Government policies which may be relevant to the Ipswich and West Moreton region. Such policies could include: National Aviation Policy (December 2009); National Ports Strategy (December 2010); National Land Freight Strategy (consultation paper issued February 2011); Sustainable Australia Sustainable Communities Strategy (May 2011); National Urban Policy (May 2011); Investing in Regional Australia; National Digital Economy Strategy (May 2011); Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (and the Government s August 2011 reform response to the Dr Allan Hawke review); and National Food Plan (Green Paper released in July 2012). The analysis of the IWM Evidence Base will focus on: IWM s development challenges; IWM s comparative advantages; management of risks to IWM s sustainability; response to the previously enunciated Roadmap Question; and IWM s contribution to SEQ, Queensland and national objectives. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

52 IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON SOCIAL PLAN Three of the four local governments in the Ipswich and West Moreton region Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and Somerset - are collaborating in the preparation of individual social plans for their municipalities. The fourth local authority, Scenic Rim Regional Council, completed their social plan only 18 months ago. The concurrent production of individual social plans within the region has presented the opportunity to build upon this process to go on to develop a regional social plan for Ipswich and West Moreton Region. While in some respects the IWM Social Plan will be a compilation of the individual local government plans, it will also take advantage of the concurrent development of our regional evidence base to value add a number of factors of regional character, especially in regard to the linkages to economic and natural asset development which often transcend local government boundaries. It will also identify the threads common to the region and identify regional scale policies and actions that should be pursued. Accordingly, subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake the development of a Regional Social Plan that will provide a focus for consultation with governments about critical social issues and a platform for attracting resources to address these issues. IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON MINING SERVICES STUDY Mining is one of Australia s and Queensland s major competitive advantages. Mining is technology and machinery intensive, requiring strong services support. The Ipswich and West Moreton region is traditionally strong in mining and manufacturing with substantial developed and developable industrial land suitable for mining services businesses. The region is well connected to south west and central Queensland. It has the potential to establish a strong mining services cluster to service the extensive Queensland coal mining, coal seam gas industries and other Australian mining activities. Realisation of that potential will contribute to the Development of Regionally Significant Industry Park regional priority and help address one of the identified risks to regional sustainability, namely failure to appropriately develop business and industry to generate a broader skills profile and more rewarding jobs. Accordingly, subject to funding, RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will undertake a Mining Services Study to determine the feasibility of staged development of a mining services cluster in one or more of the region s industry parks. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

53 ROADMAP DELIVERY & REVIEW FRAMEWORK The Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap will be delivered throughout the year in collaboration with key stakeholders from business, community and all levels of government. Our consultation sectors and potential partners are detailed in the Our Stakeholder section of the Roadmap. The stakeholder engagement map includes a range of regionally important defined sub-sector groups which fall under the categories listed below: residents; community support and service providers; business and industry groups; health, education and training centres; and infrastructure; From this engagement model, partnerships, consultation and representation will be undertaken as required, in the delivery of the Roadmap goals, priorities and RDAIWM projects. The Roadmap will be updated annually following the Regional Leaders Forum. It will inform preparation of the Annual Business Plan, which is submitted at the end of each financial year. The RDAIWM projects set out in the Business Plan will have individual and more detailed actions and timelines to support their progress. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton will lodge quarterly activity reports and half yearly outcomes reports which will track delivery of the projects set out in the Roadmap. It should be noted that the Roadmap is produced annually and the work of RDAIWM will evolve as new challenges, opportunities and ideas emerge. The Roadmap is a living document and a guide for the future. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

54 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Our Environment Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

55 APPENDIX 2: Our Places Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

56 APPENDIX 3: Our People Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

57 APPENDIX 4: Our Economy Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

58 APPENDIX 5: Our Infrastructure Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

59 APPENDIX 6: Our Rural Production Map RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

60 APPENDIX 7: Our Mining Interest & Strategic Cropping Lands RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

61 Disclaimer: Re Maps Appendix 1 to 7 The information or data is provided by SEQ Catchments Limited on a general basis only. You should seek specific or appropriate advice in relation to this information or data before taking any action based on its contents. So far as permitted by law, SEQ Catchments Limited makes no warranty in relation to this information or data. Data sourced from the Queensland Government, SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership, SPOT Image, Australian Bureau of Statistics and SEQ Catchments. These maps are not to be sold or re-made as part of a commercial product. Cartographers: S. Mooney, M. Petter Version: 23 October 2012 Copyright: SEQ Catchments Ltd (SEQC) RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

62 APPENDIX 8: Industry Sectors Driving Growth in the Ipswich and West Moreton Markets Focus Growth Imperatives Agriculture Aerospace National food markets through supermarket and niche market supply chains, export markets. National defence and commercial aviation markets. Leading agricultural production region in Australia with good potential for growth. Leading producer of winter and salad vegetables. Cattle breeding. Amberley RAAF base major defence hub. Investment and growth in the Amberley Aerospace and Defence Development. Leading investment in South East Queensland in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. A sustainable water supply for agriculture and skills to support long term growth and sector security as a leading production region. Retain good agricultural land and the natural environment to support long term production. Recovery after the floods and retention of growers - strengthen the industry to support growth. Airfreight export of produce. Value adding to primary production including food processing. This covers niche and mainstream products. Local supply chain development and engagement with defence and commercial aviation markets. Aviation cluster development. Access other potential markets for high precision, high quality products and services offered by regional suppliers. Skills development in the region to support sector growth. Environmental businesses and services. ICT and knowledge industry businesses National water and energy markets, building and construction, environmental services markets. Education and training, finance and a wide range of industry applications. Serves local, national and international clients. Somerset is the major catchment for SEQ s water supply. This can limit development in the region. Flood mitigation initiatives and a focus across the region on retaining and protecting the natural environment in the region. Potential for environmental services from the region. Strong history of innovation in ICT the Global Info-Links (GIL) project in the mid 90s created a lead positioning for Ipswich City. Investment in ICT and knowledge sector in Ipswich Springfield precinct, Polaris Data Centre and the focus to have a regional digital economy plan to build on early NBN rollout provides an opportunity to drive ICT use and investment. Lifestyle attracts professionals to the region. Ipswich City initiative to develop a cluster for environmental and green industry innovation and growth in Springfield, Ripley Valley and other parts of the City. Ipswich City support for environmentally sustainable housing design and building at Springfield and Ripley Valley. Explore new environmental services and value adding as a green industry initiative in Somerset and across the region. Growth in information and communications technology industry businesses is a core economic development priority for the region and supports a need to diversify our skills base. Build a strong digital economy, harnessing best practice, industry specific initiatives and community education that will drive ICT skills development and technology based economic growth Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset, as well as Ipswich City offer quality lifestyle for ICT professionals and SMEs. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

63 Professional services Legal, building and construction, mining and energy, finance, wide range of small through to large businesses. The Western Growth Corridor and the high quality lifestyle are attracting professionals to the region. Need to continue to improve recreational and cultural options to attract and retain professionals in the region. The region is a base for world competitive service providers to the resources sector. Support growth in locally based professional services. Create a positive environment lifestyle and business to attract professionals and their businesses to the region. Market the region as a base for professional and technical services to support the Surat Basin and other major project expansion zones. NBN infrastructure investment to support professional services sector needs. Tourism & Recreational Assets Domestic tourism in South East Queensland, interstate and international tourism, business tourism. Strong recreational assets will grow tourism, provide quality of life, support growth and attract industry and skills to the region. Significant leisure horse industry, national and international horse racing industry, local and national greyhound racing industry. Ipswich has a strong motorsport industry that with growth can provide significant investment into the economy. Attract investment in high quality outdoor recreation facilities. Work with the tourism sector to strengthen the tourism offering in the region and support new investment. Expand hospitality and tourism product to respond to business and community growth in the region. Support industry growth and retention through facility investment and precincts for industry growth. Strong community and racing industry demand will support future growth. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

64 APPENDIX 9: Demographic Tables and Graphs Note on Sources The following tables have been derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census data from 2001, 2006 and 2011, as well as regional profile data published by the Queensland Government s Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR). It should be noted that in some tables, the population figures for June 2011 might differ slightly from the ABS census results which are compiled from the census conducted in August Where the OESR uses June 2011 estimates, the data is flagged with a p or pr notation indicating that it is an estimate. Estimated Resident Population in the Region As at 30 June 2011, the estimated resident population of Ipswich & West Moreton Region was 267,419 persons, compared with 4,474,098 persons in Queensland. The population of RDA IWM Region increased by 5,711 persons between 30 June 2010 and 2011, which was a population growth rate of 2.2 per cent, compared with 1.1 per cent increase for Queensland. Within the region, the largest increase in population occurred in Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA), up by 4,637 persons in the year to 30 June 2011, accounting for 81.2 per cent of all growth in RDA IWM Region. The fastest growing local government area between 30 June 2010 and 2011 was Ipswich City LGA (2.8 per cent), followed by Somerset Regional LGA (1.9 per cent) and Lockyer Valley Regional LGA (1.7 per cent). Table 9.1 Estimated resident population Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2006, 2010 and 2011 Estimated resident population as at 30 June Local Government Area pr 2011pr Average annual growth rate pr 20011pr Ipswich (C) 142, , , Lockyer Valley (R) 31,932 35,208 36, Scenic Rim (R) 34,750 37,329 37, Somerset (R) 19,676 21,661 22, Ipswich & West Moreton Region 228, , , Queensland 4,090,908 4,424,158 4,474, IWM as a % of Queensland pr = preliminary rebased C = City R = Regional Council Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011, cat. no and unpublished data. Note: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July OESR data is updated annually with an approximate delay of 9 months after the reporting period. It is anticipated that the next update will be in April RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

65 Population Age Profile by Age Group and Sex As at 30 June 2010 in Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 22.7 per cent of persons were aged 0 to 14 years, 65.8 per cent were aged 15 to 64 years and 11.5 per cent were aged 65 years and over. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) recorded the highest proportion of children aged 0 to 14 years (23.8 per cent), while Scenic Rim Regional LGA recorded the lowest proportion (20.1 per cent). For the workingage population aged 15 to 64 years, Ipswich City LGA had the largest proportion (66.5 per cent) and Scenic Rim Regional LGA recorded the lowest (64.3 per cent). Scenic Rim Regional LGA had the highest proportion of persons aged 65 years and over (15.6 per cent) and Ipswich City LGA recorded the lowest (9.7 per cent). Table 9.2 Estimated resident population by age, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 30 June 2010p Population By Age Local government area number % number % number % number % number % Ipswich 40, , , , , Lockyer Valley 8, , , , , Scenic Rim 7, , , , Somerset 4, , , , , Ipswich & West Moreton 60, , , , , Queensland 901, , ,278, ,121, , IWM as a % of Qld. 6.7% 5.8% 5.7% 5.8% 5.4% P = preliminary Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010, cat. no Chart 9.1 Population pyramid by age group and sex, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 30 June 2010p Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010, cat. no RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

66 Chart 9.2 Population Age Profile, Numbers by Age Group, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, ,000 IWM Region Age Profile Age Group Number 20,000 15,000 10,000 5, Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census Time Series Profile. Chart 9.3 Population Age Profile, Percentage by Age Group, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, % IWM Region Age Profile Age Group Percentage 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% % 0% Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census Time Series Profile. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

67 Median Age Median age data have not been calculated for the Ipswich & West Moreton region. The median age in Queensland as at 30 June 2010 was 36.2 years, an increase of 0.3 year over the five year period from 30 June 2005 to 30 June Within the region, as at 30 June 2010, Somerset Regional Local Government Area (LGA) had the highest median age with 41.5 years, and Ipswich City LGA had the lowest median age with 32.2 years. Table 9.3 Median Age, Ipswich and West Moreton Local Government Areas, 2005 and 2010 n.a. = not available Note: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July Median estimates have been calculated by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia 2010, unpublished data Chart 9.4 Median Age, Ipswich & West Moreton Local Government Areas, IWM Region Median Age M e d i a n A g e Ipswich Lockyer Scenic Rim Somerset Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census Time Series Profile. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

68 Population Projections As at 30 June 2031, the population for Ipswich & West Moreton Region is projected to be 641,150 persons. The population for the region is projected to increase by an average annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent over the 20-year period between 2011 and In comparison, the population for Queensland is projected to increase by an average annual growth rate of 1.8 per cent over the same period. Within the region, the largest increase in population is projected to be the Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA), up by 286,521 persons over the 20-year period between 2011 and The LGA with fastest-growing population between 2011 and 2031 is projected to be Ipswich City LGA, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0 per cent. Table 9.4 Projected Population (a) for Ipswich & West Moreton Region, (a) Data are based on a medium series. Source: OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition Chart 9.5 Projected Population Growth, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, ,000 Projected Population Growth IWM Region , , , , ,000 Ipswich Lockyer Scenic Rim Somerset IWM Region 100, Source: Chart derived from OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

69 Age Distribution of Projected Population Growth 2021 and 2031 If the age distribution that applied at the 2011 census were to hold more or less constant for the next 20 years, the projected populations in 2012 and 2031 would produce the numbers in each group set out in the following table. It should be emphasized that these figures are indicative only and are based on the assumption of an unchanging age distribution from the 2011 census. Nevertheless, they do give some indication of the numbers likely to emerge in each age group. Table 9.5 Notional Age Distribution of Projected Population Growth, Ipswich & West Moreton Region Increase Age group: Percent years 6.8% 18,730 28,546 43,728 24, years 6.6% 18,010 27,448 42,047 24, years 6.6% 18,210 27,754 42,515 24, years 6.7% 18,402 28,047 42,964 24, years 6.7% 18,419 28,073 43,003 24, years 6.9% 18,882 28,778 44,084 25, years 6.6% 18,019 27,462 42,068 24, years 7.1% 19,368 29,519 45,218 25, years 7.2% 19,643 29,938 45,860 26, years 6.9% 19,037 29,015 44,447 25, years 6.6% 18,183 27,713 42,453 24, years 6.0% 16,421 25,027 38,338 21, years 5.7% 15,746 23,999 36,763 21, years 4.5% 12,297 18,741 28,709 16, years 3.3% 9,137 13,926 21,333 12, years 2.4% 6,614 10,081 15,443 8, years 1.8% 5,038 7,678 11,761 6, years plus 1.6% 4,474 6,819 10,446 5,972 Total Population 274, , , ,550 Source: OESR, Queensland Government Population Projections, 2011 edition and Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Basic Community Proifile B04 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population At the time of the 2011 Census, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 8,976 persons who stated they were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) origin. Indigenous persons made up 3.5 per cent of the total population (compared with 3.6 per cent in Queensland). Of the 8,976 persons usually resident in the region who stated they were of ATSI origin, 8,164 persons stated they were Aboriginal, 446 persons stated they were Torres Strait Islander, and 366 persons stated they were both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) contained the largest number of ATSI persons (6,416), followed by Lockyer Valley Regional LGA (1,014). Table 9.6 Number of persons by ATSI status, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on place of usual residence. (b) Applicable to persons who are of 'both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin'. (c) Includes ATSI status not stated. Note: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July Source: OESR Table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Indigenous Profile RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

71 Country of Birth and Proficiency in Spoken English At the time of the 2011 Census, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 43,614 persons who stated they were born overseas (16.8 per cent of the total population) and 202,359 persons who stated they were Australian-born (77.8 per cent of the total population). In Queensland, 20.5 per cent of the population were born overseas and 73.7 per cent were Australianborn. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) contained the largest number of overseas-born persons (31,263), followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA (5,424). Table 9.7 Number of persons by birthplace, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2011 ESB = English-speaking background NESB = non-english-speaking background (a) Based on place of usual residence. (b) Includes the UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, South Africa and New Zealand. (c) Includes countries not identified individually, 'Australian External Territories', 'Inadequately described' and 'At sea' responses. (d) Includes 'Not Stated' responses. Queensland figures include the 'Off-Shore Areas & Migratory' and 'No Usual Address' counts. Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Basic Community Proifile B09 Table 9.8 Proficiency in spoken English of overseas born persons, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on place of usual residence. (b) Includes proficiency in English not stated. (c) Excludes persons who did not state their country of birth. Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Basic Community Proifile B11 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

72 Family Composition At the time of the 2011 Census, there were a total of 69,746 families in the Ipswich & West Moreton Region. The family type with the largest number of families was couple family with children (30,503 families). There were 12,614 one-parent families, accounting for 18.1 per cent of all families in the region. In comparson, 16.1 per cent of all families in Queensland were one-parent families. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) contained the largest number of families (44,177), followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA (10,250). Ipswich City LGA recorded the highest proportion of one-parent families (19.9 per cent), followed by Lockyer Valley Regional LGA (15.8 per cent). Table 9.9 Family Composition, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on place of usual residence. (b) Includes same-sex couple families. (c) Children are defined as children aged under 15 years or dependent students aged 15 to 24 years. (d) Includes other families. Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Basic Community Proifile B25 Personal Income At the time of the 2011 Census, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 74,043 persons aged 15 years and over who stated that their total personal weekly income was less than $400 (37.0 per cent of all persons aged 15 years and over). This was higher than the 34.6 per cent recorded in Queensland. Within the region, Somerset Regional Local Government Area (LGA) had the highest proportion of persons with a total personal weekly income less than $400 (43.0 per cent), followed by Lockyer Valley Regional LGA (41.2 per cent). Scenic Rim Regional LGA had the highest proportion of persons who stated their total personal weekly income was $2,000 or more (3.1 per cent). Table 9.10 Total Personal Income, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on usual residents aged 15 years and over. (b) Includes personal income not stated. Source: OESR table based on ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Basic Community Proifile B17 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

73 APPENDIX 10: Economic Tables and Graphs The following tables and charts are sourced from the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) compillation of data for the Ipswich and West Moreton Region. Unemployment and Labour Force The number of unemployed persons aged 15 years and over (based on a smoothed series) in RDA IWM Region in March quarter 2012 was 7,033. This represented an unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent. In comparison, Queensland had a smoothed unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) recorded the lowest smoothed unemployment rate (4.8 per cent) and Lockyer Valley Regional LGA recorded the highest smoothed unemployment rate (6.6 per cent). Table 10.1 Unemployment and Labour Force, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, March Quarter 2012 (a) Based on a 4-quarter smoothed series. Note: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July Data for local government areas (2011) have been derived from the source data using a populationbased concordance. The sum of the local government areas may not be equivalent to the total of Ipswich & West Moreton Region. Data are updated quarterly with an approximate delay of 3 months after the reporting period. It is anticipated the next Update will be in October Source: DEEWR, Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Small Area Labour Markets Australia, various editions RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

74 Unemployment Trend The unemployment rate in Ipswich & West Moreton Region for the March quarter 2012 was 5.2 per cent, compared with 5.5 per cent in Queensland. Between the June quarter 2010 and the March quarter 2012, the unemployment rate in the region ranged between 4.6 per cent (September quarter 2010) and 5.2 per cent (March quarter 2012). Chart 10.1 Unemployment rate (a), Ipswich & West Moreton Region, June quarter 2010 to march quarter 2012 Based on a 4-quarter smoothed series. Note: Small Area Labour Force data have been generated from a Structure Preserving Estimation (SPREE) methodol ogy using original, unadjusted Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force estimates, Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2006 data and Centrelink Newstart and Youth Allowance (Other). As such these estimates can exhilbit considerable variability and care should be taken when interpreting these values. In addition these estimates are based on original dataand have not been adjusted to account for seasonal variations and thus can exhibit irregular movements. Quarter to quarter comparisons may not be indicative of actula movements in the labour market. Yearon-year comparisons may therefore be more appropriate. Note: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July Data for local government areas (2011) have been derived from the source data using a population-based concordance. Source: DEEWR, Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Small Area Labour Markets Australia, various editions Markets Australia, various editions RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

75 Building Approvals In the 12 months ending 30 June 2012, there were 2,132 dwelling units in new residential buildings approved in RDA IWM Region, with a total value of $457.0 million. In comparison, the total value of new residential building approvals in Queensland was $6,526.8 million. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) recorded the largest values of new residential building approvals ($289.8 million). The total value of non-residential building approvals in Ipswich & West Moreton Region in the 12 months ending 30 June 2012 was $373.3 million. The largest values of non-residential approvals were recorded in Ipswich City LGA ($340.6 million) and Scenic Rim Regional LGA ($18.6 million). Table 10.2 Residential and non-residential building approvals, Ipswich & West Moreton Region, 12 months ending 30 June 2012 (a) Excludes alterations, additions and conversions. (b) Includes alterations, additions and conversions. (c) Represents total residential building value as a proportion of total building value. Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals Australia, June 2012, cat no The value of non-residential building approvals in the Ipswich & West Moreton Region for the June quarter 2012 was $45.8 million, compared with $1,127.0 million in Queensland. Between the June quarter 2010 and the June quarter 2012, the value of non-residential building approvals in the region ranged between $33.1 million (December quarter 2010) and $149.8 million (September quarter 2011). Chart 10.2 Value of non-residential building approvals (a), Ipswich & West Moreton Region, June quarter 2010 to June quarter 2012 (a) Includes alterations, additions and conversions. Source: OESR table based on Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals Australia, June 2012, cat no RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

76 Internet Connections At the time of the 2011 Census, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 67,829 occupied private dwellings with an internet connection, or 75.9 per cent of all occupied private dwellings. In comparison, 78.3 per cent of the occupied private dwellings in Queensland had an internet connection. Of the 67,829 internet connections in the region, there were 61,005 broadband connections and 2,856 dial-up connections. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) had the highest percentage of occupied private dwellings with internet connections (77.7 per cent), followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA (75.1 per cent). Ipswich City LGA had the largest number of dwellings with broadband connections (39,408), followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA (8,997). The highest number of dwellings with no internet connection was in Ipswich City LGA (10,610). Table 10.3 Internet connections in occupied private dwellings (a) (b), Ipswich and West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Excludes visitors only and other not classifiable households. (b) Where a dwelling has more than one type of internet connection only one is recorded. (c) Includes other internet connection. (d) Includes internet connection not stated. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011, Basic Community Profile B35 Vocational Education and Training Students In 2011 the Ipswich & West Moreton Region had a total of 19,211 vocational education and training (VET) students. This was made up of 11,877 students commencing a VET course and 7,299 students continuing a VET course. In comparison, Queensland had a total of 304,800 VET students. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) had the largest number of total VET students (13,081), followed by Lockyer Valley Regional LGA (2,592). Table 10.4 VET student numbers by enrolment type, Ipswich and West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on the location of the student and not the location of the educational institute. (b) Includes Subject only students - no qualification. Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

77 Highest Level of Schooling At the time of the 2011 Census, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 92,034 persons aged 15 years and over whose highest level of schooling was year 11 or 12 (or equivalent) (48.0 per cent of all persons aged 15 years and over). This corresponded with 55.3 per cent in Queensland. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) had the highest percentage of persons with year 11 or 12 (or equivalent) as their highest level of schooling (50.8 per cent), followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA (47.5 per cent). Table 10.5 Number of persons by highest level of schooling completed, Ipswich and West Moreton Region, 2011 (a) Based on usual residents aged 15 years and over who are no longer attending primary or secondary school. (b) Includes highest year of schooling not stated. Queensland figures include the 'Off-Shore Areas & Migratory' and 'No Usual Address' counts. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011, Basic Community Profile B16 RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

78 APPENDIX 11: Community Services Tables The following tables and charts are sourced from the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) compillation of data for the Ipswich and West Moreton Region. Aged Care Services As at 30 June 2011, Ipswich & West Moreton Region had 57 aged-care service providers with a total of 2,201 places in operation. In comparison, Queensland had 1,048 aged-care service providers with a total of 44,856 places in operation. During , the aged-care service providers in the region received $82.1 million in Australian government recurrent funding. Within the region, Ipswich City Local Government Area (LGA) had the largest number of aged-care service places with 1,295, followed by Scenic Rim Regional LGA with 499. Table 11.1 Aged care services (a) (b), Ipswich and West Moreton Region, 30 June 2011 (a) Aged-care services subsidised by the Australian Government under the Aged Care Act (b) Based on the location of the service, rather than the region in which the service is delivered. In some instances, age d-care service providers have provided the address information of their head office in place of address information of individual regional services. Users should be aware of this limitation when using these data. (c) Community care provides a package of services to assist older people to remain living in their own homes. (d) Residential care provides services through aged-care homes. (e) Transition care provides a package of services to enable older people after a hospital stay to return home rather th an prematurely enter residential care. (f) Australian government recurrent funding for aged-care services in Data are updated annually with an approximate delay of 12 months after the reporting period. It is anticipated the nex t update will be in December Source: Australian Government department of Health and Ageing. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap

79 Emergency Services, Schools and Hospitals As at 30 June 2010, RDA IWM Region had 22 police stations, 14 ambulance stations, 21 fire stations, 133 schools and 12 hospitals. In comparison, Queensland had 340 police stations, 262 ambulance stations, 243 fire stations, 1,734 schools and 271 hospitals. Table 11.2 Emergency services, schools and hospitals, Ipswich and West Moreton Region, 30 June 2011 (a) Does not include Police Beats. (b) Does not include Rural Fire Brigade. (c) Includes both private and public schools. (d) Includes both private and public hospitals. Excludes public dental and psychiatric facilities. Source: Queensland Police Service; Department of Community safety; Department of Education, Employment and Training, Queensland Health. RDA Ipswich and West Moreton Roadmap