draft rural futures strategy - · pdf filethe draft rural futures strategy includes a range of...

Draft Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland

For public consultation—not government policy

Actions to improve the economic prosperity, environmental wellbeing and quality of life of rural South East Queensland.

© The State of Queensland (Department of Infrastructure and Planning 2008). Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of the Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

ii -Draft Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland

Department of Infrastructure and Planning

Finalising the Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland This draft of the Rural futures strategy has been prepared by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning with assistance from the Rural Futures Committee. The draft Rural futures strategy includes a range of targeted initiatives to promote prosperity and to plan for and respond to the challenges facing rural communities and industries in South East Queensland. The draft Rural futures strategy also sets out the strategic direction for the region’s rural areas—to promote economic and community development in the area. The Rural futures strategy, which is anticipated to be released in 2008, will contain further detail on the actions required to improve the delivery of services and infrastructure in rural South East Queensland. The Queensland Government is seeking your input and advice on the development of the strategy. Your comments and suggestions will enable us to better understand the priorities of rural communities and key areas for action. Rural residents and stakeholders should take this opportunity to let us know how you think the economic prosperity, environmental wellbeing and quality of life in your community can be improved. What’s working now? How could policies, programs or services be improved or enhanced? What new ideas do you have? We want to take advantage of what is already working and identify improvements for the future. Send your submission or feedback marked draft Rural futures strategy to:

Department of Infrastructure and Planning post Reply Paid 15009 City East Qld 4002 Australia visit Level 8, 63 George Street Brisbane phone 1800 021 818 fax +61 7 3235 4563 [email protected]

This consultation document is also available online at www.dip.qld.gov.au.

Draft Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland - iii

Contents

Finalising the Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland............iii Executive summary ......................................................................................vi Summary of suggested actions..................................................................vii Introduction....................................................................................................1 1. Economic development.............................................................................9

1.1 Overview ...............................................................................................9 1.2 Strengthening rural economies.............................................................11

1.2.1 Strengthening rural economies.............................................................................. 12 1.2.2 Tourism and outdoor recreation............................................................................. 15 1.2.3 Infrastructure.......................................................................................................... 17 1.2.4 Climate and energy challenges for the rural economy .......................................... 18

1.3 Suggested actions...............................................................................20 2. Healthy and productive rural landscapes..............................................21

2.1 Overview ..............................................................................................21 2.2 Developing healthy and productive rural landscapes ...........................23

2.2.1 Rural land management......................................................................................... 23 2.2.2 Rural planning........................................................................................................ 24 2.2.3 Healthy waterways................................................................................................. 26 2.2.4 Environmental stewardship and ecosystem services ............................................ 27

2.3 Suggested actions................................................................................28 3. Water resources.......................................................................................29

3.1 Overview ..............................................................................................29 3.2 Rural water resource management ......................................................31

3.2.1 Coordination of water management....................................................................... 31 3.2.2 Water use efficiency .............................................................................................. 31

3.3 Suggested actions...............................................................................32 4. Community development ........................................................................33

4.1 Overview ..............................................................................................33 4.2 Skills and social infrastructure ..............................................................35

4.2.1 A skilled labour force.............................................................................................. 35 4.2.2 Social infrastructure ............................................................................................... 36 4.2.3 Community-based transport .................................................................................. 37 4.2.4 Community wellbeing and safety ........................................................................... 38

4.3 Suggested actions................................................................................38 5. Leadership and collaboration.................................................................39

5.1 Overview ..............................................................................................39 5.2 Development and implementation of the Rural futures strategy ...........39

5.2.1 Community representation..................................................................................... 39 5.2.2 Management arrangements................................................................................... 40 5.2.3 Political representation........................................................................................... 40 5.2.4 Implementation and monitoring ............................................................................. 40

5.3 Suggested actions................................................................................41 References....................................................................................................42 Glossary .......................................................................................................45 Acknowledgements .....................................................................................46

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Appendices...................................................................................................47 Attachment 1—Secondary sources of information .....................................47 Attachment 2—Global and national context ...............................................48 Attachment 3—Examples of the diversity of rural businesses in South East Queensland................................................................................................54 Attachment 4—Strategic priorities for tourism in South East Queensland Country.......................................................................................................55 Attachment 5—Agriculture in peri-urban areas...........................................56 Attachment 6—Future rural water supply options.......................................57 Attachment 7—Queensland Health’s universal service obligations............58

Figures Figure 1. Land Use Categories in the South East Queensland Regional Plan Figure 2. Land use in South East Queensland (1999) Figure 3. Change in number of agricultural establishments in SEQ between 2001 and

2006. Figure 4. Projected gross output by primary and resource industries in SEQ 2001–2026 Figure 5: Value of agricultural commodities from rural and other areas in 2001 Figure 6. Value of agricultural production—previous local government areas in 2001 Figure 7. Change in area of agricultural production in SEQ 2001-2006 Figure 8. South East Queensland Land Use and Natural Resources Figure 9. South East Queensland water catchments Figure 10. Change in emissions from Queensland sectors between 1990 and 2005 Tables Table 1. Rural infrastructure commitments 2008-2026

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Executive summary The Queensland Government is developing the Rural futures strategy (the strategy) to guide sustainable economic and community development in rural South East Queensland. The strategy supports the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005–2026 (SEQ Regional Plan) and the Queensland Government’s vision for rural South East Queensland: Rural communities are strong and viable with sustainable economies, contributing to the health, character and liveability of the region. The SEQ Regional Plan recognises that rural communities, industries and environments make an important and often under-recognised contribution to the region’s quality of life. Over 84 per cent of all land in South East Queensland is protected from urban development, providing certainty for investment in rural enterprises and maintaining a critical mass of farms and farmland within relatively close proximity to large urban markets. However, in these constantly changing times, rural communities and industries are facing financial, economic, social, environmental and climatic challenges. Along with increasing global competition, especially from countries with low labour costs, key issues affecting the rural sector include the accessibility and cost of water, the availability and affordability of skilled labour—especially given the resources boom in recent years—and uncertainty surrounding climate change and increasing energy and transport costs. In the face of these challenges, the purpose of this Strategy is to reinforce the government’s commitment to rural South East Queensland and to make sure it is a place to grow, a place to seek new opportunities, and a place to build futures. The strategy is not designed to be the solution to every challenge in rural South East Queensland but to act as a catalyst for action in communities across the region—actions that will sustain a rural way of life that was vital to our past and is just as vital to the future of our region. The strategy will be accompanied by an action plan that identifies short and medium-term priorities for the implementation of the strategy by project partners over the next three to five years. This draft of the Rural futures strategy has been made available for public comment. Comments made will inform the finalisation of the strategy. This draft Rural futures strategy (draft strategy) covers the five core requirements for sustainable rural communities: economic development; healthy and productive rural landscapes; water resources; community development; and leadership and collaboration in relation to South East Queensland. Suggested actions in each of these areas are presented for discussion and for comment. The strategy is anticipated to be released in late 2008.

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Summary of suggested actions

Economic development Strong and diverse rural economies promote local prosperity and support a high quality of life for residents. Sustainable and adaptable economies attract investment, new residents, and provide stable employment as well as cultural, tourism and recreational facilities. Strategies to strengthen and revitalise local economies include diversification and expansion, business retention, export development and investment attraction. Strengthening rural economies

i. Support the implementation of rural economic development programs identified by regional or local economic development strategies.

ii. Facilitate targeted research to support agriculture in areas undergoing land use change.

iii. Investigate opportunities to assist with the relocation of farms affected by incompatible development.

iv. Establish and maintain a website featuring a directory of support programs for rural businesses.

v. Establish a one-stop-shop for information and brokerage services for rural businesses seeking access to government support programs.

vi. Develop a marketing and promotional campaign highlighting the economic importance of South East Queensland agriculture and the diversity of its produce.

vii. Identify and promote opportunities to enhance the value of agricultural products.

Tourism and outdoor recreation viii. Support the implementation of the South East Queensland Country Destination

Management Plan. ix. Support the implementation of the South East Queensland Regional Outdoor

Recreation Strategy.

Infrastructure x. Identify and facilitate provision of critical infrastructure for the long-term

sustainability of rural industries and communities. Climate and energy challenges

xi. Develop an integrated climate change management strategy for South East Queensland.

xii. Undertake targeted research to enhance the market competitiveness of farming systems affected by changing climate.

xiii. Identify opportunities for rural businesses to participate in carbon trading and other climate change management arrangements.

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Healthy and productive rural landscapes The regional rural areas support a wide range of regional landscape values, including agriculture, recreation, scenic amenity, biodiversity and conservation. Ongoing investment in our rural areas will assist in protecting and enhancing regional landscape values and ensure our rural production areas remain profitable and sustainable for years to come. Rural land management

i. Increase funding for regional pest management. ii. Extend the rollout of property management systems and adoption of best

management practices.

Rural planning iii. Collect, collate and monitor data on the economic performance and location of

agricultural enterprises. iv. Share resources through joint enterprises to build the capacity of local government

to undertake more detailed rural planning. v. Undertake pilot studies to establish rural precincts. vi. Establish a regionally consistent definition of ‘agriculture’ and related terms to inform

rural land planning. vii. Identify and remove impediments to agriculture from state and local government

planning policies. viii. Identify and protect good quality agricultural land. ix. Fund targeted research to evaluate the benefits of market-based instruments and

planning incentives that support rural land planning and sustainable agriculture. x. Improve the coordination of water and land resource planning and management

across local government boundaries. xi. Review the regulatory provisions of the SEQ Regional Plan to remove unnecessary

impediments to appropriate tourism and rural industry.

Healthy waterways xii. Support the implementation of the Healthy Waterways Strategy.

Environmental stewardship and ecosystem services

xiii. Identify opportunities to integrate market-based mechanisms into regional and local planning and policies to maintain and enhance regional ecosystem services.

Water resources South East Queensland is currently experiencing the compound effects of drought and rapid population growth, which have put severe pressure on the region’s water supplies. The South East Queensland Regional Water Strategy is a major planning project to secure reliable water supplies for urban, industrial and rural use for the next 50 years. The South East Queensland Regional Water Strategy is the means by which water supply and demand will be balanced to support the growth model outlined in the SEQ Regional Plan.

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Coordination of water management i. Finalise arrangements for rural producers in the Lockyer and Middle Brisbane

valleys to access recycled water from the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project. ii. Reallocate water substituted by recycled water in the Fassifern Valley to urban and

rural users as required. iii. Complete and implement water resource plans and resource operation plans for the

Moreton, Logan, Gold Coast and Mary River catchments. iv. Develop and implement water sharing plans to improve the flexibility of water use for

rural water users. v. Improve the performance of irrigation schemes and distribution networks supporting

agricultural production. vi. Install water meters on farms to improve the quality and quantity of information used

for water planning and management.

Water use efficiency vii. Accelerate implementation of the South East Queensland Irrigation Futures program

at appropriate levels of service.

Community development Economic development and community capacity are directly linked. Without a strong economic base, it is difficult to sustain community infrastructure and a good quality of life. Many rural communities across the region have a good quality of life, rich heritage, arts and culture, affordable housing, safe environments, and economic opportunities. A combination of strategies and actions are needed to build local community capacity, promote strong community leadership and support local volunteers and initiatives. A skilled labour force

i. Work with employers to identify needs, retrain employees and upgrade and diversify their skills.

ii. Implement the Queensland Skills Plan. iii. Work with educational institutions to offer courses that target skill gaps in the

regional labour force. Social infrastructure

iv. Establish programs to enhance the delivery of community services. v. Implement shared service provision models to maximise use of facilities and assets. vi. Establish a community facility renewal program to support maintenance of important

community assets. vii. Provide social infrastructure in rural areas at equitable levels to those in urban areas. viii. Promote the use of tele-health to assist the delivery of specialist health services in

rural communities. Community-based transport

ix. Enhance community transport infrastructure and services in rural areas.

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Community wellbeing and safety x. Assist rural volunteer organisations to recruit, train and manage volunteers. xi. Establish and maintain a web-based inventory of regional recreational, cultural and

social facilities and events. xii. Investigate the feasibility of an annual regional event to showcase the region’s

cultural activities, arts and crafts and agricultural produce. xiii. Facilitate community communication of priority rural issues to Ministerial Regional

Community Forums.

Leadership and collaboration The unique needs, issues and perspectives of rural communities in South East Queensland need to be heard on an ongoing basis. Moreover, they should help shape government policy and set the course for the development of rural communities across the region. For rural communities in South East Queensland to have a strong voice, they need to have input into policy and decision-making at the community level, management level and political level.

i. Establish an advisory and management structure for the coordination and implementation of the strategy.

ii. Move towards a coordinated and consistent strategy for the rural areas of Queensland.

iii. Confirm a state government 'lead agency' with principal responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the strategy.

iv. Explore opportunities to mirror relevant successful Blueprint for the Bush initiatives in the strategy.

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Introduction

A commitment to rural South East Queensland The Queensland Government recognises the important contribution that rural communities and industries make to the region’s quality of life and is developing the strategy to guide sustainable economic and community development in rural South East Queensland. The strategy supports the SEQ Regional Plan and the Queensland Government’s vision for rural South East Queensland:

Rural communities are strong and viable with sustainable economies, contributing to the health, character and liveability of the region.

The rural areas of South East Queensland account for about 84 per cent of the region’s land area or 19,000km2 and are generally included in the Regional Landscape and Rural production Area land use category under the SEQ Regional Plan (refer Figure 1). Agriculture, forestry, the horse industry and tourism are significant contributors to the South East Queensland rural and regional economy. Agriculture contributes about $1 billion at the ‘farm gate’, increasing to $8 billion when manufacturing and processing is included. The horse industry and forestry sectors are worth about $1.3 billion and $570 million respectively in Queensland, the majority of the value being captured in South East Queensland while tourism in rural South East Queensland is worth at least $50 million. The following SEQ Regional Plan principles provide the foundation for the development of the strategy:

• recognise the significant role rural areas play in South East Queensland, ensure healthy and viable rural futures, and enhance the interdependence of urban and rural communities

• conserve and manage rural areas to enhance their contribution to the regional economy, rural industries and the regional landscape

• ensure rural communities gain benefits from future growth and participate fully in the planning and development of the region

• maintain a viable rural production sector, capitalising on existing advantages and ready to meet changing circumstances.

The strategy will provide a framework to guide economic, social and environmental regeneration of the rural areas of South East Queensland. It aims to raise the economic performance of rural South East Queensland and improve its people’s quality of life. It seeks to capitalise on the region’s unique assets and opportunities whilst addressing its many challenges. The strategy will aim to provide a clear and long-term direction for rural South East Queensland, one that has the potential to deliver social and economic change in rural South East Queensland. It will build upon existing strategies, policies and programs and provide a whole-of-government approach to the future needs of rural South East Queensland.

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Figure 1. Land Use Categories in the South East Queensland Regional Plan

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The strategy will outline actions to strengthen five core requirements for sustainable rural communities:

1. Economic development—opportunities for rural communities to develop strong economies and benefit fully from regional population growth.

2. Healthy and productive rural landscapes—rural landscapes that support profitable and sustainable rural communities.

3. Water resources—secure, reliable water supplies for rural communities. 4. Community development—social and economic infrastructure to support services

and enhance the quality of life of rural communities. 5. Leadership and collaboration—delivering on the Rural Futures Strategy.

For each of the five core requirements, the draft strategy presents an overview, outline of existing programs and initiatives and suggested actions for the future. Following the consultation process, the strategy will be finalised and an action plan will be developed to assist in the implementation of the strategy. Together, the strategy and action plan will:

• articulate a vision for rural South East Queensland as a place to live, work and visit • identify the changes in performance and delivery that will be required to realise these

aspirations • set out the policy objectives, priority programmes and projects essential to achieving

the vision • identify the capacity for delivery and the resources—existing and additional—required

for implementation • act as a catalyst for change in rural communities across the region.

The strategy builds on the considerable momentum for change created by the Rural Futures SEQ 2021—Regional strategy for rural communities and agriculture and other previous planning and consultation processes that have addressed planning and management issues in the rural areas of South East Queensland. Building on the 2002 Rural Futures Strategy In 2002 the Queensland Government released the Rural Futures SEQ 2021 strategy, which identified a number of priorities for rural land planning. The SEQ Regional Plan has made significant contributions to many of these priorities by:

• supporting equitable and consistent land planning and management decisions across South East Queensland

• establishing a set of principles and policies to guide regional and local rural land planning and management

• designating land use zones to minimise land use conflicts between urban and rural areas

• supporting rural precinct planning to strengthen rural economies and sustainably manage rural land use change

• establishing the State of the Region Sustainability Report to support sustainable land management and use

• improving the knowledge and understanding of rural land management and use across South East Queensland

• improving the coordination and integration of regional and local planning with a range of other planning initiatives.

Apart from the SEQ Regional Plan itself, the secondary sources of information are listed in Attachment 1.


The draft strategy has been prepared by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning with support from the Rural Futures Committee. Not all the comments and proposals contained in the draft strategy have been endorsed by the Committee. The Committee has endorsed the release of the draft strategy for public comment, which will inform the finalisation of the strategy.

Rural South East Queensland current issues and trends South East Queensland is an economic powerhouse. It is the state’s administrative, commercial, industrial, government and institutional centre. It has a richness of natural resources and entrepreneurial people. South East Queensland represents the largest concentration of urban development in Queensland. Although it covers just 22 365 km2 (1.2 per cent) of the state, over 2.7 million people—nearly two thirds of Queensland’s population—call it home. Almost 70 per cent of Queensland’s population growth for the year to June 2005 occurred in South East Queensland (53 314 people per year, an average of 1025 people per week). Put into perspective, the population increase in the region in 2005 was the equivalent of a new regional centre slightly larger than Bundaberg (population 46 540) or Mildura (population 51 754). In spite of the predominantly urban function of the region, urban land use occupies a small proportion (about 2965 km2 or 13.3 per cent) of the region (Figure 2).



Figure 2. Land use in South East Queensland (1999)


The rural areas of South East Queensland cover about 84 per cent of the region or about 1.9 million hectares (Figure 2). The population of the rural areas is about 295 000 people (11 per cent of the region’s population) and is growing at 2.2 per cent per year similar to the region as a whole. Rural communities and industries are facing financial, economic, social, environmental and climatic challenges. Along with increasing global competition, key issues affecting the rural sector include the accessibility and cost of water, the availability and affordability of skilled labour, uncertainty surrounding climate change and the ongoing availability of cheap oil. Together, climate change and energy prices are bringing into ever sharper focus the importance of land near cities for traditional farming and water catchment, and as habitat for native flora and fauna. Rising world food prices are adding a premium to farmland, especially relatively wet areas, such as South East Queensland.

While traditional primary and manufacturing industries are important to South East Queensland, the global ‘knowledge economy’ or ‘new economy’ that is emerging will mean that business opportunities, investment and location decisions will increasingly be based on factors such as access to a technologically skilled workforce, high standards of urban amenities, world-class transportation systems, information technology infrastructure (especially bandwidth), and environmental standards. However, the region’s strong economy will continue to be challenged, in particular by low-labour-cost countries like China, India and Indonesia. Accordingly, South East Queensland’s competitive advantage in established industries such as agriculture and tourism will need to be constantly honed and new opportunities identified in order to maintain market share. An equally important issue is the ongoing availability of cheap oil. Oil is essential to the daily functioning of modern society. It is the basic ingredient in many products, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural fertilisers, plastics, paints and many other products (Hirsch, 2005). It fuels the vast majority of the transportation system and supports our mechanised agricultural and industrial needs (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2003). In the last 12 months, world oil price has doubled from US$65 to US$125 a barrel while fertiliser costs have trebled over the last two years from $450 to $1400 a tonne. The rising oil and fertiliser prices create increased costs for farmers and together with increased cost of shipping, transport and food these high prices will have knock-on effects through the economy, especially in rural and regional communities. World oil production is predicted to peak within 20 years (Hirsch, 2005; Robinson, 2004; Powell, 2001). While bio-fuels, including ethanol from sugar cane, is likely to make a valuable contribution to our future energy needs, there is no ready alternative to petroleum-based fuels. These issues further emphasise the need for compact urban areas and the retention of the regional landscape for efficient food production, open space and biodiversity. Attachment 2 provides further detail and background on national and global influences on South East Queensland. The current drought conditions have taken a serious toll on farmers across the region. Total farm income has dropped in the past few years, fewer people are employed directly in agriculture and agriculture-related industries, and the outlook for the future is uncertain.



Land use in the region is a complex mosaic of agriculture (predominantly grazing), conservation, forestry and urban activities (Figure 1). Farmers manage 65 per cent of the land in South East Queensland. It is a diverse sector, with some world-class enterprises set alongside farmers and growers struggling on low incomes. Most farms are small businesses run by individuals. Between 2001 and 2006 the number of fruit and vegetable farms increased while the number of farms producing other commodities declined.(Figure 3). Figure 3. Change in number of agricultural establishments in SEQ between 2001 and 2006. (Number of farms)

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Over the next 20 years it is predicted that South East Queensland’s economy will be dominated by the finance, manufacturing, transport and retail trade sectors. The economy of the region’s rural areas, however, will be dominated by agricultural and conservation activities. Horticultural output will continue to grow, along with poultry and milk production, to feed a growing local population (Robinson and Mangan, 2007). Provided water supplies are available, the gross value of agricultural production is projected to double from around $1 billion per year to almost $2 billion in 2026. In particular, horticulture is anticipated to grow from about $530 million in 2001 to $930 million in 2026 and intensive animals (poultry, milk and pigs) from $218 million in 2001 to $400 million in 2026 (refer Figure 4) (Robinson and Mangan, 2007). However, the contribution of agricultural production to the region’s Gross Domestic Product will remain at about 1 per cent. South East Queensland’s farming and resource sectors employ around 1.8 per cent of the region’s workforce, while the value of agricultural production accounts for just 1.2 per cent of the gross regional economy. However, the total farm-dependent economy (including inputs, transport and processing) in South East Queensland is worth $8 billion, or 11.4 per cent of regional Gross Domestic Product (Keogh, 2005; Econtech, 2005). South East Queensland’s agricultural economy makes up about 12 per cent of the state’s agricultural economy and 3 per cent of the national agricultural economy. In contrast, the tourism sector in South East Queensland contributed about 62 per cent of the estimated $8.4 billion tourism industry contribution to the Queensland economy in 2006.


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Figure 4. Projected gross output by primary and resource industries in South East Queensland 2001-2026 ($million)



1. Economic development Provide opportunities for rural communities to develop strong economies and benefit fully from regional population growth.

1.1 Overview Strong and diverse rural economies promote local prosperity and support a higher quality of life for residents. Sustainable and adaptable economies attract investment, new residents, and provide stable employment as well as cultural, tourism and recreational facilities. Strategies that can be employed to strengthen and revitalise local economies include diversification and expansion, business retention, export development and investment attraction. The value of agricultural commodities and their distribution in the region is shown in Figures 5 and 6. Vegetables, poultry, cattle and nurseries are the largest sectors, each producing in excess of $100 million per year. Beaudesert, Gatton, Esk and Caloundra are the largest production areas by value. The vast majority of agricultural production comes from the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area, however there continues to be significant production of poultry, fruit, vegetables, flowers and turf from areas inside the Urban Footprint. This production is expected to relocate to rural areas over the next twenty years as urban development occurs within the Urban Footprint. Figure 5. Value of agricultural commodities from rural and other areas in SEQ in 2001 ($million)

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Source: Robinson & Mangan (2007) The area of land under agricultural production declined between 2001 and 2006 under the influence of prolonged drought conditions and the conversion of land uses from agriculture to other uses (Figure 7). The largest decline in area occurred in the sugar-cane production following the closure of the Moreton Sugar Mill at Nambour in 2002.


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Figure 6. Value of agricultural production — previous local government areas in SEQ in 2001 ($million)

Source: Robinson & Mangan (2007) Figure 7. Change in area of agricultural production in SEQ 2001-2006 (hectares)

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The region’s primary industries benefit from ready access to a growing urban market for agricultural products for consumption and further processing. As the population of South East Queensland grows in size and living standards increase, so will demand for high quality fresh and processed produce. The region’s advanced infrastructure services allow produce to be easily shipped to markets throughout the state, interstate and overseas.



Primary producers in South East Queensland face many challenges. These include:

• increasing demands placed on agricultural enterprises to meet the environmental expectations of the urban/lifestyle community, some of which may not be compatible with continued profitable farming

• residential encroachment on farmland impacting on the viability of farming enterprises • residents with non-farming backgrounds purchasing acreage properties and not

accepting that normal farming practices need to be carried out around them • non-farming residents unaware of the importance of minimising biosecurity risks,

observing quarantine restrictions, preventing the spread of weeds and maintaining essential farm infrastructure such as fencing

• higher land prices, land taxes and council rates make it increasingly difficult for farms to remain viable. This restricts primary producers’ ability to further develop or expand their businesses to maintain or improve profitability

• high demand for scarce resources such as water and labour is driving up costs • the reliability of irrigators’ water supply may be reduced in order to meet priority urban

demands.

The SEQ Regional Plan seeks to address some of the challenges primary producers face by limiting further urban development in the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area, thereby protecting the future of agricultural lands and rural communities. On the urban fringe, however, where rural lands are close to urban development, expectations and speculation about future urban development potential are likely to continue. In the past, conflict between rural activities and urban uses has generally seen farming curtailed where it is no longer considered viable. At the same time, much of the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area is already fragmented and has for some time provided lifestyle opportunities on small rural allotments. In some parts of the region, this has been the predominant form of development over the past three decades, even though the corresponding dwelling entitlement has not always been exercised.

1.2 Strengthening rural economies Along with primary production, the rural areas of South East Queensland support industries including manufacturing, retail, tourism, health and finance, all of which contribute substantially to the region’s economic wealth and jobs (Robinson and Mangan, 2007). However, some rural communities are reliant on a single industry; they would be severely impacted if the industry suffered a major crisis. For example, agricultural production in the Lockyer Valley has fallen due to the drought and subsequent over-extraction of groundwater. This downturn has been felt by rural businesses, including transport companies, machinery dealers, fertiliser and chemical suppliers, and other rural-based enterprises.


Rural economic development under the South East Queensland Regional Plan The SEQ Regional Plan includes a broad range of principles that focus on economic development in the rural and other sectors:

• Maintain a viable rural production sector, capitalising on existing advantages and ready to meet changing circumstances (Principle 5.4).

• Develop a diversified regional economy characterised by knowledge-based, high-value-adding industries that build on existing regional and sub-regional competitive advantages and specialisations (9.1).

• Expand business activity, increase business competitiveness and encourage regional exports (9.2).

• Foster innovation and develop skills and technological capabilities in the region to support existing and future industries (9.3).

• Identify, provide and protect land and infrastructure required for the region’s future economic development (9.4).

To implement and support these principles, the SEQ Regional Plan includes the following policies:

• Strengthen rural industries by increasing adaptability, productivity, value-adding and access to markets (5.4.1).

• Identify and support sustainable new rural industries and innovative non-urban uses for rural land (5.4.2).

• Ensure that land use policies do not constrain the development of agriculture, agri-business, appropriate ecotourism and recreation opportunities in rural areas (5.4.3).

• Identify, promote and support new business and industry initiatives in rural centres, building on local strengths and opportunities (9.4.3).

• Refine and implement sub-regional economic development strategies that deliver high-value-added jobs and build knowledge-based industries (9.1.1).

1.2.1 Strengthening rural economies There are many ways in which local economies can be strengthened. Diversification will ensure that communities are not reliant on the continuing success of a single industry, but building on existing industries and production capabilities will also contribute greatly to the continuing economic success of a region. Diversification and innovation Diversification and expansion are only two of a number of strategies primary producers can employ to strengthen and revitalise their enterprises. Business retention, export development and investment attraction are examples of other strategies that can be employed by rural communities and primary producers. One way for primary producers to expand or diversify is to respond to demand for locally produced foods—delivered direct to local consumers and/or made available at farmers’ markets. It makes excellent business sense and benefits the environment if transport and packaging are reduced. Farmers’ markets not only serve producers, they also enliven town centres and connect consumers with the rural economy. In the last decade, the number of fresh food and farmer market opportunities in South East Queensland has expanded to over thirty (30) including the Brisbane Powerhouse farmers' market at New Farm, the South Bank fresh food and seafood market, the Eumundi market, the Northey Street Organic Market at Windsor, the Redlands Farmers Market at Mt. Cotton, the Fernvale Country market, the Boonah Country Market and the Mudgeeraba Farmers markets.



Supermarkets and caterers also play a vital role in giving prominence to locally produced products. Regional food branding helps make consumers more aware of, and interested in, the origin of food, strengthening their connections with the rural economy and food production.

Enterprising Food Promoting agriculture within South East Queensland can be as simple as creating a consumer directory that lists the products and producers within an area. For example, Maroochy Shire Council has developed the ‘Enterprising Food’ directory, which lists food and beverage producers within the shire. The directory includes niche products likely to be found at local markets and larger-scale producers supplying interstate and international markets. It is a snapshot of the range of local products and producers that contribute to the local and regional economies. For more information visit www.businessmaroochy.com.

Horse breeding and recreational horse riding is emerging as a new rural industry in the Gold Coast and Beaudesert areas. This industry is currently estimated to be worth $67 million per year in these two areas alone (Robinson and Mangan, 2007). Many existing and new businesses in rural South East Queensland have been successful in creating new markets for products through innovative production or marketing techniques. Some of these diverse rural businesses are listed in Attachment 3. There are advantages and opportunities for clustering of similar and complementary industries in specific areas that enable industries to grow off each other, for example horticulture growing and processing on the Sunshine Coast.

Incorporating Economic Development into Local Government Planning In February 2007 the former Department of State Development and Trade released the Incorporating Economic Development into Local Government Planning. The guidelines are a result of an ongoing partnership between the Queensland Government, Ergon Energy and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and will assist local governments in identifying underutilised economic development areas or opportunities that may require intentional planning, operational alignment, regulatory enablement or further capacity development. The guidelines can be downloaded from the LGAQ website: www.lgaq.asn.au/lgaq

Government support programs Government support programs including financial programs provide assistance to rural industries in diversifying and adjusting to the wide range of issues that impact on their productivity, profitability and sustainability. A review of government support programs for rural businesses (Venz, 2007) has identified more than 50 separate programs offered by the Queensland and Australian governments to provide on-going support to rural industries and communities dealing with the impacts of drought, population growth, changing consumer demands and the influences of global markets, among other things.


Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) administers a range of assistance packages for primary producers and rural land managers, including:

• low-interest loans to help businesses start up or boost productivity • a range of drought assistance packages • natural disaster assistance • FarmBis training subsidy (till 30 June 2008) • sugar farm consolidation loans • vegetation management financial assistance • citrus recovery, reimbursement and re-establishment program.

The Australian Government, under the Agriculture Advancing Australia initiative, provides an integrated package of programs to help primary producers diversify and adjust their operations, including:

• FarmBis, (till 30 June 2008) which helps primary producers and rural land managers develop business and natural resource management skills through funding assistance for education and training.

• Rural Financial Counselling Service, which provides free and confidential counselling services for farmers, fishing enterprises and small rural businesses in serious financial difficulty.

• Farm Help, which helps farmers having trouble meeting living expenses and who are unlikely to get a loan from a financial institution while they take action to improve their long-term financial prospects.

• Industry Partnerships Program, which helps rural industry representative bodies assess how well-placed they are to compete in the global market place and take action to become more competitive.

• Farm Management Deposits Scheme, which enables primary producers to set aside pre-tax primary production income from good years as cash reserves to help meet costs in low-income years.

• International Agricultural Cooperation Program, which strengthens bilateral agricultural relationships with key trading partners—especially China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

To be effective and successful, support programs need to be targeted at sectors, including emerging sectors, with good prospects for success. To achieve this, programs must provide information that is easily accessible and available; and identify options for new or additional programs that meet rural producers’ needs and circumstances. In addition, governments must monitor and review programs to ensure they are meeting the changing needs of rural industries. Understanding the market Through a clear understanding of the changing market, primary producers can take advantage of market opportunities. There are common themes:

• the importance of cutting unnecessary costs and adding value to production • recognition that a drive for added value is likely to go hand-in-hand with the pursuit of

higher quality • need for quality to be recognised and verified to assured standards.

Primary producers can take advantage of market opportunities by:

• adding value, including promotion of local and regional foods and farmers’ markets • assurance schemes, to help re-establish consumer confidence • export promotion, including offering tailored assistance to smaller producers • improving efficiency along the food supply chain • farm diversification and helping farmers exploit new markets and new sources of

income while remaining in farming • business advice to assist producers in the pursuit of these objectives.



Improving competitiveness through value-adding For industries such as agriculture, value-adding throughout the supply chain can increase returns and improve industry competitiveness. One way of achieving this is by focusing on both local and export markets. South East Queensland is fortunate in that it is close to major population growth regions in Asia and is home to the fastest-growing population in Australia. This has advantages for industries supplying food and fibre domestically and internationally. Primary producers operate at the start of the food supply chain—a defining component of the market. The food supply chain encompasses the production and delivery of food from the farm to the kitchen. The stages of the food supply chain are mutually dependent. Primary producers are reliant on the manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and catering industries to purchase their products, who in turn rely on producers to supply quality produce.

Natures Fruit Company - a smart growing business Natures Fruit Company is an innovative grower-owned cooperative located on the Sunshine Coast. It was formed in 1988 as an avocado marketing group, but has now diversified into a range of fruit and nut products. Today, it is one of Australia’s leading avocado marketers, with more than 600 000 trays sold annually under Natures Fruit Company brands. This represents production from several hundred co-operative members located across Australia - from the Atherton Tablelands, Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast, Mt Tamborine and Toowoomba; into the Northern Rivers, mid north and central coasts of NSW; Mildura in Victoria; and even across into the south west of Western Australia. The group focuses on producing top quality fruit which achieves premium prices and thus provides a sustainable competitive advantage to ensure the continued success of the business and its grower suppliers. Natures Fruit Company is also constantly seeking value-adding opportunities to further improve the opportunities for growers to grow their own businesses. Chairperson, Rosslyn Smerdon, is passionate about the benefits of cooperative growing and has driven a strong market focus across the group’s activities. She believes the cooperative approach benefits members by volume packaging and marketing of their produce at lower costs, whilst achieving the highest market price. Critical mass gained from volume throughput gives members strong brand identification in the market. More information can be found at www.naturesfruit.com.au

Increasingly, businesses are competing in a global market and demands for reduced costs are felt along the chain—by retailers, wholesalers and producers. This competition requires industries along the supply chain to work together to cut unnecessary costs. At the same time, it is important consumers’ requirements are communicated and met along the full length of the chain. Emerging evidence indicates that price is not consumers’ only concern. Consumers are placing increasing value on convenience and quality, expecting food to be safe and nutritious. 1.2.2 Tourism and outdoor recreation South East Queensland’s rapid population and economic growth and its status as an attractive and popular tourist region are fuelling a booming tourism industry. Tourism is a multifaceted, many-layered service industry with a wide variety of private and public sector stakeholders. The region, which encompasses Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, accounted for 62 per cent of the estimated $8.4 billion tourism industry contribution to the Queensland economy in 2006. Latest statistics reveal that South East Queensland attracted 10.6 million domestic visitors (62 per cent of Queensland visits) and 1.98 million international


visitors (91 per cent of Queensland visits), who spent $7.35 billion and generated an estimated 72 000 jobs (Tourism Queensland, 2007). As the region’s rural areas diversify towards a more service-based economy, it is likely that tourism will play an increasingly important role in the region’s economy. Over the past ten years the tourism sector has supported substantial growth in the number of small to medium enterprises in the rural villages of South East Queensland, including boutique accommodation, restaurants, cafes and retail outlets. The South East Queensland Country tourism destination incorporates the rural areas of the region. South East Queensland Country is steeped in provincial heritage and natural attractions and offers visitors a non-coastal, country experience with panoramic mountain vistas, boutique wineries, rich fertile land and warm hospitality. South East Queensland Country’s vision is:

...to be recognised as a destination known for its country hospitality, distinct seasons and rich provincial visitor experiences, characterised by a burgeoning tourism industry that embraces its regional community (Tourism Queensland, 2007).

The following key strategic priorities for South East Queensland Country (2007–2010) have been identified through industry feedback and key stakeholder workshops:

• attract high-value visitors to the destination through increased awareness in target markets

• increase the value of tourism to all sub-destinations through better dispersal of visitors and off-season travel

• develop sustainable destination experiences • encourage innovation and investment through a planned approach • ensure a unified approach to the ‘brand’.

The implementation of these strategic priorities (see Attachment 4 for further information) will continue to support and develop sustainable rural-based tourism opportunities in South East Queensland. Developing strategies to support outdoor recreation Activities such as picnicking, walking, cycling, swimming and camping are part of the region’s sub-tropical outdoor lifestyle—a lifestyle envied by many other Australians. There is something for everyone who appreciates the great outdoors—beautiful beaches, bushland, forests, national parks, mountains, marine parks, rural landscapes and rivers. In recognition of the importance of outdoor recreation to South East Queensland, the state government, in consultation with key stakeholders including the community, is developing the South East Queensland Outdoor Recreation Strategy to ensure outdoor recreation is planned for at a regional level. The strategy, due for completion in 2008, will enhance the coordination and provision of high-quality places for outdoor recreation for South East Queensland’s residents and visitors. It will enhance partnerships between the Queensland Government and the region’s Council of Mayors, local governments, the private sector and community sector organisations. The Queensland Government has committed $14 million to the development of recreation trails in South East Queensland, including recreation trails at Lamington to Springbrook, Cooloola and Conondale, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the Boonah to Ipswich Trail and the Maroochy River Canoe Trail.



Outdoor recreation provides opportunities for South East Queensland residents to connect with their families, their landscapes and with nature. The physical activity involved in outdoor recreation is also critical to the health and wellbeing of the region’s population. Given South East Queensland’s population is growing at more than 1000 people a week, it is essential we make the best use of our existing outdoor recreation places and, where necessary, provide new outdoor places for residents and visitors to enjoy. 1.2.3 Infrastructure The SEQ Regional Plan encourages growth in rural areas by encouraging existing towns and villages to accommodate more residents, rather than creating dispersed rural–residential developments. The strategy will identify infrastructure critical to the long-term sustainability of the region’s rural communities. Rural infrastructure will be included in future annual updates of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program. Present commitments for significant infrastructure in rural areas and the western growth corridor of South East Queensland are listed in Table 1. The Queensland Government offers support for rural towns and villages by providing funding for water, sewerage, social, community and cultural facilities through established grant and subsidy programs. Funding assistance for roads will also be maintained through the Roads Alliance program, administered by the Department of Main Roads. Water is a critical issue for agriculture and urban centres in the rural areas of South East Queensland, more so because of the current drought. Rural water issues are being addressed as part of the South East Queensland Regional Water Strategy. Water resource issues are covered in more detail in Section 3: Water resources. Communication infrastructure In a world where information is the new currency, people must be able to communicate easily with each other and the rest of the world. The capacity of the state’s physical infrastructure to connect all Queenslanders will determine the extent of our capacity for innovative and creative enterprise (Queensland Government, 2005). The 2003 report of the Australian Government’s Broadband Advisory Group concluded that ‘harnessed effectively, broadband connectivity will be a key driver of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product, jobs and wages growth’. The group stated:

Broadband technologies will be the “road and railway” of the 21st century, generating the next wave of economic expansion. Just as transport opened up new economic horizons in the last century, advanced communication networks will pave the way for productivity gains across global economies in the new century (Commonwealth Government, 2003).

Information, communication and technology infrastructure, then, is of increasing economic and social importance. High-speed connectivity, be it through broadband or satellite technology or a yet-to-be invented technology, has a particularly important role in stimulating economic and social development in Queensland because of its potential to:

• diversify the economic base of the state • increase productivity • increase international trade • improve service delivery, particularly to residents of isolated areas • generate participation in the information society • allow individuals to communicate cheaply and speedily with colleagues, family

members, friends and others, irrespective of their location.


1.2.4 Climate and energy challenges for the rural economy Climate change is one of the major challenges to the regional economy and community in terms of adaptation to changing conditions and actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; 65 per cent of South East Queensland is used for some form of productive agricultural or forestry purpose. Agriculture is expected to be more affected by climate change than other sectors because it is highly dependent on the sustainable use of the region’s natural resource base. Potential impacts on agriculture include: increased invasions of weeds, pests and diseases; changes in pasture and animal carrying capacity; and changes in water availability for irrigated agriculture, which could threaten the viability of some existing agricultural systems. On the other hand, changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures could provide opportunities for a wider range of crops or land uses. Rural industries in South East Queensland will adapt by improving water use efficiency, while the range of crops grown may change over time in response to higher temperatures and water availability. Greenhouse mitigation will focus on improved energy efficiency and possibly the growth and use of biofuels. Opportunities will arise for rural landholders to participate in carbon trading as emission trading schemes are established. This may take the form of tree planting, protection of regrowth and/or land management practices that increase soil carbon levels.



Table 1. Infrastructure commitments in rural areas and western corridor 2008-2026

Project Funding $m Status Transport 8002.8Toowoomba Range Road Bypass 1357.0 PlanningGowrie to Grandchester rail 1300.0 2019-20+Warrego/ Brisbane Valley Highway interchange 254.0 PlanningCaboolture to Landsborough rail 652.0 2008-2019Landsborough to Nambour rail 804.0 PlanningCoorooy to Curra Highway 3300.0 PlanningEumundi to Noosa road 150.0 2019-20+Glasshouse Mountains road 106.0 PlanningYandina to Coolum road 65.0 2019-20+Bridge replacement Wallaby Creek No. 3* 1.3 SQARRP1 2006Bridge replacement Wallaby Creek No. 2* 4.3 SQARRP 2008Bridge replacement Slip Gully* 2.5 SQARRP 2008Bridge replacement Lockyer Creek* 6.7 SQARRP 2008-09 Water 2518.0Western Corridor Recycled Water project 2493.0 ConstructionSEQ Irrigation Futures* 15.0 ImplementationHealthy Waterways Strategy* 10.0 Implementation Energy 160.5Western Corridor upgrades 160.5 Planning /construction Social 1009.1Western Corridor State Schools 975.0 2008-2026Bundamba TAFE 16.0 PlanningGatton Aquatic Centre 2.5 PlanningBrisbane Valley Rail Trail 3.6 PlanningBoonah to Ipswich Trail 2.4 PlanningMaroochy River Canoe Trail 0.5 PlanningLamington Great Walk 3.0 ConstructionCooloola Great Walk 1.4 PlanningConondale Great Walk 1.4 PlanningCentre for Advanced Animal Science UQ Gatton* 21.3 ConstructionTotal in SEQIPP2

11629.3 10.9% of SEQIPPTOTAL 11690.4 * Not included in SEQIPP 2008-2026

1 Southern Region Accelerated Road Rehabilitation project 2 South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008-2026


1.3 Suggested actions The following actions are part of existing government programs or potential future actions to strengthen local economies and support business development in rural communities. Would they work in your community? What other actions are needed? How would these work in your community? What other ideas could be tried? Strengthening rural economies

i. Support the implementation of rural economic development programs identified by regional or local economic development strategies.

ii. Facilitate targeted research to support agriculture in areas undergoing land use change.

iii. Investigate opportunities to assist with the relocation of farms or family operations affected by incompatible development.

iv. Establish and maintain a website featuring a directory of support programs for rural businesses.

v. Establish a one-stop-shop for information and brokerage services for rural businesses seeking access to government support programs.

vi. Develop a marketing and promotional campaign highlighting the economic importance of South East Queensland agriculture and the diversity of its produce.

vii. Identify and promote opportunities to enhance the value of agricultural products. Tourism and outdoor recreation

viii. Implement and monitor the South East Queensland Country Destination Management Plan.

ix. Complete and implement the South East Queensland Regional Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

Infrastructure

x. Identify and fund critical infrastructure for the long-term sustainability of rural industries and communities.

Climate and energy challenges

xi. Prepare climate change projections and vulnerability assessments for South East Queensland.

xii. Fund targeted research to enhance the market competitiveness of farming systems affected by changing climate.

xiii. Identify opportunities for rural businesses to participate in carbon trading arrangements.



2. Healthy and productive rural landscapes Ensure healthy rural landscapes that support profitable and sustainable communities.

2.1 Overview The SEQ Regional Plan recognises the important contribution healthy and productive rural areas make to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the state and region. The SEQ Region Plan established regional rural areas and a range of corresponding regulatory provisions for the sustainable development and management of rural land.


Figure 8: South East Queensland Land Use and Natural Resources



The regional rural areas support a wide range of regional landscape values, including agriculture, recreation, scenic amenity, biodiversity and conservation, to name just some. Ongoing investment in our rural areas will assist in protecting and enhancing regional landscape values and ensure our rural production areas remain profitable and sustainable for years to come. Economic rationality suggests the best agricultural land could be converted to other uses until food scarcity makes the conversion back to farming a more competitive and profitable use of land (Rees, 1993). This approach to rural land management does not recognise that certain biophysical characteristics of rural landscapes are essential forms of ‘natural capital’ that can not be replaced by advancing technologies or improved farming systems and are essential for supporting critical economic, environmental and social functions and overall community wellbeing (Walton, 2003; Agricultural Land Commission, 1998). From this perspective, each generation should inherit an adequate stock of natural capital—one of which is arable soils—equal to that inherited by the previous generation (Rees, 1993). The Australian and Queensland governments have made significant investments in water and transport infrastructure and in sustaining natural capital through the creation of the Natural Heritage Trust and the establishment of regional natural resource management groups. The SEQ Catchments natural resource management group and the Burnett Mary Regional Group have developed plans and targets to guide on-ground actions. These aim to protect and enhance the region’s healthy and productive rural landscapes by:

• supporting weed and pest control, rehabilitating areas prone to salinity, erosion and acidity and assisting farmers with improved irrigation methods

• managing land use impacts on soil heath through the development and implementation of best practice resource management.

On 1 July 2008 the Australian Government commenced the Caring for our Country program that for the first time bring together delivery of a raft of Commonwealth programs into an integrated package with one clear goal, a business approach to investment, clearly articulated outcomes and priorities and improved accountability. Caring for Our Country is a five year, $2.25 billion initiative that integrates Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program, and elements of the Working on Country program into a consolidated program. Further details are at www.nrm.gov.au/funding.

2.2 Developing healthy and productive rural landscapes Rural industries recognise the importance of maintaining the natural capital on which their operations depend. Often this is achieved by modifying their management practices in response to improved scientific understanding of the interactions between land use and natural systems. This is highlighted by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s Farm Management Systems initiative and the development and adoption of industry-specific best management practices.

2.2.1 Rural land management The Queensland Farmers’ Federation and the Queensland Government have entered into a partnership agreement to promote a Farm Management Systems approach to property management. Farm Management Systems assist landholders to manage risks associated with their operations, particularly any natural resource risks. Based on the continuous improvement processes found in Environmental Management Systems, the systems place a


http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding

greater emphasis on flexibility and on reconciling positive environmental outcomes with business issues such as production, finance and people (Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 2007).

EcoHort—the environmental management system for Australian nursery production Nursery & Garden Industry Australia, in partnership with Horticulture Australia Limited, have developed the EcoHort guidelines to help growers systematically assess their farming operations, address issues identified through the assessment, and implement practices to achieve best management practice certification. Indications are that 95 per cent of the Australian industry has changed farming practices as a result of the program, and 30 per cent of the industry has undergone voluntarily auditing and certification (Queensland Farmers’ Federation et al, 2005).

2.2.2 Rural planning The regional planning process used to prepare the SEQ Regional Plan highlighted the need to undertake detailed rural planning, to identify opportunities for maximising the economic potential and long-term sustainability of the region’s rural areas. Rural industries are constantly innovating, diversifying and adjusting their operations in response to internal and external influences. Secure, supportive planning and policy environments allow rural industries to respond effectively and efficiently to changes that impact on the industries’ profitability and sustainability. Rural planning can assist rural industry diversification and adjustment by streamlining processes that regulate land use and land use change. Detailed rural planning is required to:

• improve the coordination of rural land use • minimise the potential for land use conflicts • remove speculation on future uses of rural land • support a productive rural landscape • support investment in rural businesses and infrastructure • protect regional landscape values • optimise rural land use with respect to the potential of the natural resource base • create a network of coordinated land uses to improve production, processing and

transportation efficiencies • help rural businesses to adjust, value-add, diversify and innovate.

Existing planning approaches and policies need to be regularly evaluated to remove unintended impediments to rural industry diversification and adjustment and to develop and implement more secure and supportive planning and policy environments. In recent years, the interface between urban and rural regions—known as the peri-urban area—has become the focus of increased planning attention and research. This is due in part to the rapid land use changes and conflicts that occur in rural areas subject to pressures from urbanisation—pressures experienced in peri-urban areas around the world. The spatial fragmentation of the peri-urban area into a wide range of uses, lot sizes and social groups makes it difficult to establish institutional arrangements that deal effectively with the long-term management of the natural resources in these areas (Buxton, M. et al, 2006). The outcomes of a study of agriculture in the peri-urban area of South East Queensland are provided in Attachment 5.



Rural planning under the South East Queensland Regional Plan Principle: Conserve and manage rural areas to enhance their contribution to the regional economy, rural industries and the regional landscape (5.2). Supporting policies:

• Consolidate future rural population growth around existing towns and villages (5.2.1).

• Encourage sustainable rural areas by supporting innovative planning approaches, including rural precinct planning (5.2.2).

• Maintain the capacity of the region’s environmental resources to supply ecosystem services (5.2.3).

The Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area covers approximately 84 per cent, or 1.9 million hectares, of South East Queensland (Figure 1). This large expanse of generally rural land presents challenges to detailed and coordinated rural planning. This is further complicated by the large range of rural land uses the area does and could potentially support, and limited good-quality data. To help meet these challenges, the SEQ Regional Plan has identified a number of priorities for detailed rural land planning, including:

• identifying key areas that sustain rural industries • preventing inappropriate fragmentation of rural land • enhancing infrastructure and investment opportunities for rural businesses • coordinating rural land use • enabling rural industries to diversify, adjust, innovate and value-add • identifying alternative sustainable uses of rural land • protecting and promoting productive land uses and associated landscape values • sustaining benefits to the community derived from the natural environment.

In addition, the identification of good quality agricultural land within South East Queensland is required to prioritise the allocation of limited planning resources for specific areas, issues and outcomes. Planning for rural areas involves more than simply maintaining rural use zones—it requires managing urban growth, encouraging compact rural settlement and ensuring rural industries are able to undertake normal daily productive activities. A range of rural planning mechanisms are currently available for these purposes (Centre for Rural and Regional Innovation–Queensland, 2005), including:

• regional plans • declared areas (e.g. catchments) under the Water Act 2000 • property management planning (e.g. land and water management) regional natural

resource management plans • rural precinct planning.

Rural precinct planning is a systematic and strategic approach to detailed rural land planning that focuses on priority areas, land uses and issues. The rural precinct planning process promotes the development of local solutions to local issues and ensures these solutions align with the SEQ Regional Plan’s statutory planning objectives. The state government has developed rural precinct planning guidelines to support local governments in establishing rural precincts. The guidelines can be downloaded from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website at www.dip.qld.gov.au.


A rural precinct plan is a planning tool that allows local governments to: • modify the effects of the regulatory provisions of the SEQ Regional Plan in order to

protect or promote predominant or preferred land uses in specified areas • focus planning effort on particular areas and/or issues • develop innovative land use controls that best suit local conditions and rural precinct

objectives • improve the coordination of rural planning across South East Queensland • support the sustainable management of regional landscape values.

The flexibility provided by the rural precinct planning approach supports the use of innovative planning approaches such as planning bonuses and statutory covenants to improve the protection and enhancement of rural businesses and associated regional landscape values. 2.2.3 Healthy waterways The quality of water flowing into South East Queensland’s rivers and Moreton Bay is a product of the condition of the catchments and the movement of pollutants and sediment in runoff from the catchments. The environmental values of waterways in South East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, are not being achieved or maintained because of the diffuse loads of sediments and nutrients being discharged from the rural landscape. These pollution loads, if unchecked, will adversely impact on the lifestyles and livelihoods of the South East Queensland community. An estimated average of more than 315 000 tonnes of sediment is discharged to Moreton Bay each year from various sources in South East Queensland, principally via the Brisbane and Logan rivers. Current erosion rates are around 30 times the estimated pre-European settlement rates of sediment discharge, with approximately 250 000 tonnes (80 per cent) coming from rural areas. The load of pollutants (especially sediment) is already large and will increase from rural areas as development continues. However, the source of sediments is not evenly distributed: 70 per cent of sediment comes from less than 30 per cent of the catchment, the predominant sources being channels and gullies, with soil erosion from hillslopes also a significant source (Healthy Waterways Partnership, 2007). In June 2007 the Queensland Government announced an allocation of $20 million over the next four years to reduce the impacts of urban and rural land uses on the waterways and water quality within South East Queensland. The Healthy Waterways Strategy will coordinate a range of actions—by the SEQ Catchments and regional natural resource management group, state and local governments and community groups—to protect and improve waterway health. The strategy documents the wide range of initiatives occurring within South East Queensland—including waterway planning and rehabilitation, education and communication programs, policy development, and scientific investigations—to form a holistic and coordinated management program that identify priority areas for action and investment. It is estimated that there would need to be at least a 50 per cent reduction in sediment discharge from the rural landscape to halt the decline in water quality in Moreton Bay. To achieve this reduction by 2026, action will be taken to facilitate sustainable rural land use, control gully, hillslope and streambank erosion, and restore 20 per cent of targeted degraded waterways (Healthy Waterways Partnership, 2007).



The South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership manages the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP), which provides an annual assessment of the health of 18 major catchments, 18 river estuaries and Moreton Bay. The results of the EHMP have been used by state and local governments and community groups to target waterway rehabilitation efforts and associated investments.

2.2.4 Environmental stewardship and ecosystem services In May 2007 the then Australian Government announced the Environmental Stewardship Program—a new initiative to support long-term protection and rehabilitation of environmental assets on private land. Under the program environmental stewardship payments are being offered as incentives for rural landholders to implement management practices that exceed statutory management obligations or duty-of-care requirements. The program will take a market-based approach to environmental management by offering contracts to landholders to manage their land to provide environmental services on a cost-effective basis. The program will provide incentives through payments to contracting landholders to achieve long-term environmental outcomes on their properties. Contract lengths may be up to 15 years to allow for the time required by ecological processes to produce the desired outcome. Land managers will be selected for participation in the stewardship program through auctions, tenders and other market-based mechanisms. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as food and water; regulating services such as regulation of floods, drought, land degradation, and disease; supporting services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; and cultural services such as recreational, spiritual, religious and other non-material benefits. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) found that current human actions are depleting the earth’s natural capital and compromising the ability of ecosystems to sustain future generations. The assessment indicated that reversing the degradation of many ecosystem services over the next 50 years would require substantial changes in policies and practices and that these changes are not currently underway.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was initiated in 2001. Its objective was to assess the consequences of ecosystem change on human wellbeing and has involved more than 1360 experts worldwide. Their findings provide a state-of-the-art scientific appraisal of the condition and trends in the world’s ecosystems and the services they provide (such as clean water, food, forest products, flood control, and natural resources) and the options to restore, conserve or enhance the sustainable use of ecosystems.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) framework is being used by the SEQ Catchments natural resource management group, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast University to map the types and locations of ecosystems services provided by South East Queensland landscapes. A number of workshops have been held to obtain agreement on definitions and project objectives, identify the best available information for the mapping work and the benefits that South East Queensland’s ecosystems provide to people.


2.3 Suggested actions The following actions are part of existing government programs or potential future actions to achieve healthy and productive landscapes. Would they work in your community? What other actions are needed?

Rural land management

i. Increase funding for regional pest management. ii. Extend the rollout of property management systems and adoption of best

management practices. Rural planning

iii. Collect data on the economic performance and location of agricultural enterprises.

iv. Share resources through joint enterprises to build the capacity of local government to undertake more detailed rural planning.

v. Undertake pilot studies to establish rural precincts. vi. Establish a regionally consistent definition of ‘agriculture’ and related terms to

inform rural land planning. vii. Identify and remove impediments to agriculture from state and local government

planning policies. viii. Identify and protect good quality agricultural land. ix. Fund targeted research to evaluate the benefits of market-based instruments and

planning incentives that support rural land planning and sustainable agriculture. x. Improve the coordination of water and land resource planning and management

across local government boundaries. xi. Review the regulatory provisions of the SEQ Regional Plan to remove

unnecessary impediments to appropriate tourism and rural industry.

Healthy waterways xii. Support the implementation of the Healthy Waterways Strategy.

Environmental stewardship and ecosystem services

xiii. Identify opportunities to integrate market-based mechanisms into regional and local planning and policies to maintain and enhance regional ecosystem services.



3. Water resources Ensure rural communities have access to secure, reliable water supplies.

3.1 Overview South East Queensland is currently experiencing the compound effects of drought and rapid population growth, which have put severe pressure on the region’s water supplies. The current drought is officially the most extreme drought in the region’s recorded history, exceeding the five-year Federation drought (1898–1903) (Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2007). At the end of May 2008, the Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim Regional Councils and Ipswich City continue to be drought declared. The prospect of continuing irregular rainfall, combined with natural climate variability in eastern Australia and long-term climate change, make the situation more ominous. The South East Queensland Regional Water Strategy is a major planning project to secure reliable water supplies for urban, industrial and rural use for the next 50 years. It is being developed by the Queensland Government in partnership with local governments. The Regional Water Strategy is the means by which water supply and demand will be balanced to support the growth model outlined in the SEQ Regional Plan. The objectives of the rural component of the Regional Water Strategy are to:

• improve economic returns from rural water • maintain or improve current rural water access and availability • maintain viable rural communities • ensure continued environmental sustainability within the region.

Rural water resources under the South East Queensland Regional Plan The SEQ Regional Plan incorporates the following principles regarding water resources in rural areas: • Protect and enhance the ecological health and water quality of surface and groundwater, including

regional waterways, wetlands, estuaries and Moreton Bay (11.5). • Ensure rural water needs are met in an efficient and sustainable way (11.7). Policies in the SEQ Regional Plan to support and apply these principles include: • Protect or improve the quality of receiving waters through land use planning, development

standards and land management practices (11.5.1). • Incorporate consideration of water allocation for rural use into water resource management and

allocation decisions (11.7.1). • Improve the efficiency of rural water use, particularly irrigation (11.7.2). • Identify alternative economic sources of water for rural use (11.7.3).


Figure 9. South East Queensland water catchments



3.2 Rural water resource management South East Queensland has 15 different sub-catchments (Figure 9). As a result, water delivery is fragmented. The region is covered by four separate water resource plans prepared under the Water Act 2000, each of which is at a different stage of development. Farmers in each of the water resource plan areas have different levels of awareness of water planning issues. Irrigation water comes from multiple sources, including supplemented and unsupplemented surface water in several catchments, overland flow, groundwater and recycled water. Urban and industrial water use dominates in South East Queensland, in contrast to Australia as a whole, where rural water use accounts for about 67 per cent of total water use. In South East Queensland, approximately 460 000 megalitres per year (ML/yr) is used for urban purposes, 40 000 ML/yr by energy industries, while rural water use stands at about 150 000 ML/yr (Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 2005). The Regional Water Supply Strategy has identified a lack of data on water use in rural areas as a major impediment to planning for future water supply. Information on future rural water supply options is provided in Attachment 6. The Queensland and Australian governments have invested $1.7 billion in the Western Corridor Recycled Water project, which will provide recycled water for industry, energy, urban and rural uses in South East Queensland. As part of this scheme, 25 000 ML/yr has been promised for rural water use, subject to a range of considerations and conditions. 3.2.1 Coordination of water management The SEQ Regional Plan recognises the need for ‘a more coordinated and integrated approach to managing the region’s environmental and natural resource areas’. Better engagement of rural industry and rural communities and the implementation of targeted initiatives will help irrigators and communities cope with the changes brought about by major policy initiatives. Initiatives proposed or already in place to assist the rural community respond to expected changes include:

• South East Queensland Irrigation Futures program—to achieve improved rural water use efficiency

• co-management framework proposed by the Lockyer Water Users’ Forum for managing access to the Lockyer Valley’s groundwater

• improved performance and water sharing in SunWater irrigation schemes • industry-based approach to on-farm planning and management, supported by area-

wide assessments to monitor environmental performance • rural precincts under the SEQ Regional Plan.

3.2.2 Water use efficiency South East Queensland Irrigation Futures is a four-year, $15 million program (which commenced in 2005) to help irrigators meet the challenges of water reform, increased competition for water supplies, and environmental management. The Department of Natural Resources and Water is working in partnership with five major irrigation industry groups—Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation, Growcom, Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland, Queensland Turf Producers Association, Flower Association of Queensland—to deliver the


program. SEQ Catchments, the regional natural resource management group, is also a partner. Each industry partner has agreed to targets to improve water use efficiency through better irrigation and water management practices. The adoption of Farm Management Systems (aimed at improving farm businesses and managing risks) and irrigator involvement in priority natural management resource issues is also promoted. Water use efficiency gains of at least 10 per cent are expected across all irrigation sectors by 2009—about 30 000 ML/yr.

3.3 Suggested actions The following actions are part of existing government programs or potential future actions to achieve adequate and well-maintained water supplies and water quality management. Would they work in your community? What other actions are needed? Coordination of water management

i. Finalise arrangements for rural producers in the Lockyer and Middle Brisbane valleys to access recycled water from the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project.

ii. Reallocate water substituted by recycled water in the Fassifern Valley to urban and rural users as required.

iii. Complete and implement water resource plans and resource operation plans for the Moreton, Logan, Gold Coast and Mary River catchments.

iv. Develop and implement water sharing plans to improve the flexibility of water use for rural water users.

v. Improve the performance of irrigation schemes and distribution networks supporting agricultural production.

vi. Install water meters on farms to improve the quality and quantity of information used for water planning and management.

Water use efficiency

vii. Accelerate implementation of the South East Queensland Irrigation Futures program.



4. Community development Provide rural communities with social and economic infrastructure to enhance their quality of life.

4.1 Overview Economic development and community capacity are directly linked. Unless rural communities have the necessary capacity, quality of life and infrastructure, it is unlikely they will be able to attract and retain new businesses and industries. Farmers, professionals and other highly skilled people—from doctors and nurses to teachers and tradespeople—are all seeking a good quality of life and a place to build their futures and raise their families. At the same time, without a strong economic base, it is difficult to sustain community infrastructure and a good quality of life—the two go hand in hand. Many rural communities across the region have much to offer—a good quality of life, rich heritage, arts and culture, affordable housing, safe environments, and economic opportunities. A combination of strategies and actions are needed to build local community capacity, promote strong community leadership and support local volunteers and initiatives. One way of strengthening local economies is to revitalise the community, for example by preserving and maintaining cultural and heritage sites that help define the community. The revitalisation of communities helps retain and attract residents, businesses, investment and tourists. Building innovative and prosperous local economies is most successful when approached from the bottom up—harnessing the unique characteristics, strengths and potential of the local community. It is important for a rural community to understand the requirements for success in a global and knowledge-based economy and to have the community capacity (e.g. leadership, skills, knowledge, resources) for economic development. Other essential ingredients of rural South East Queensland’s quality of life must be reinforced and sustained, including recreational opportunities and parks, affordable housing, safety and security, active volunteers, and a positive and welcoming community spirit. The objectives of community development and wellbeing in rural South East Queensland should be to:

• build the capacity of rural communities to respond to changing circumstances • ensure that rural communities remain safe and secure • establish collaborative networks and regional partnerships to support rural

development • encourage and support strong leadership in rural communities • maintain and enhance the quality of life in rural communities by promoting arts and

culture, enhancing parks and recreation, supporting volunteers, and making sure that rural communities are vibrant places to live, work and play.

Communities in rural South East Queensland are continually changing—the ageing of the population, emerging needs and trends, and varying lifestyle choices all affect the supply of community facilities and housing. In rural South East Queensland, some people face social, cultural and locational disadvantages. Many live in urban fringe locations and rural areas where services may be limited. The building of strong rural communities in South East Queensland will be assisted by ensuring the adequate and timely provision of community services and facilities, including housing, in Rural Activity Centres such as Gatton, Beaudesert, Boonah, Laidley, Fernvale, Esk and Kilcoy.


Rural community development under the South East Queensland Regional Plan The SEQ Regional Plan includes a broad range of principles that focus on building community capacity in rural areas: • Ensure rural communities gain benefits from future growth and participate fully in the

planning and development of the region (5.3). • Maximise access to appropriate social infrastructure for all residents in the region (6.1). • Plan and coordinate the effective and timely provision of social infrastructure (10.8). • Ensure the social effects of growth and change on the local community are planned for,

monitored and evaluated (6.2). • Address issues of disadvantage in communities (6.3). • Create well-designed, safe and healthy local environments, encourage active community

participation, promote healthy lifestyles and prevent crime (6.4). • Support community engagement and community capacity building in the planning and

development of future communities (6.5). • Protect the region’s unique cultural heritage, including historic places (6.6). • Provide sustainable travel choices to support the accessibility needs of all members of

the community (12.2). To implement and support these principles, the SEQ Regional Plan includes the following policies: • Provide and maintain appropriate levels of infrastructure and services to rural towns and

villages (5.3.2). • Ensure all development, existing or new, makes adequate provision for essential social

infrastructure (10.8.3). • Plan for the future provision of a range of community services and facilities to meet

community needs (6.1.1). • Provide accessible social infrastructure that is well located in relation to transport,

residential areas and employment (6.1.2). • Create safe urban and rural environments by providing appropriate social infrastructure

and involving local communities in planning activities (6.4.2). • Develop hubs of co-located multipurpose community facilities and services, which can

respond to changing and emerging community needs (6.1.3). • Use demographic and socio-economic information to identify the effects of growth and

change on regional communities and to inform social infrastructure planning (6.2.1). • Coordinate funding programs and collaboration between agencies and the community to

focus on areas of disadvantage (6.3.3). • Support community engagement in planning processes, enabling local communities to

identify, articulate and enhance their sense of place and wellbeing (6.5 1). • Identify, conserve and manage places of significant cultural heritage (6.7.1). • Develop a high-quality and accessible public transport network linked to regional and sub-

regional centres and services (12.2.1).



4.2 Skills and social infrastructure 4.2.1 A skilled labour force A skilled labour force is an essential component of a competitive and strong economy. The long-term supply of skilled labour is a concern in some rural areas, where employers have difficulty filling vacancies in certain occupations or specialisations. There is a need to increase the quantity and quality of skilled labour in South East Queensland, including tradespeople. Queensland’s unprecedented economic growth in recent years means the state has to work harder than ever to expand its local supply of skills as well as attract skilled workers to the state. The Smart Queensland: Smart State Strategy 2005–2015 was developed to broaden the state economy from a rocks and crops culture to create new industries and make traditional industries smarter. The Queensland Skills Plan outlines a policy framework that will better match the supply of skilled labour to industry’s needs and the economy’s demands. It sets out a range of actions the Queensland Government will take to implement these policies. There are many reasons for skills shortages, including population movements, wages relativity and the labour market. However, these factors will have less impact on the availability of skilled labour if the education and training systems are more closely aligned to the needs of industry. To provide better training packages for employees and employers, the training system needs to move from being supply driven to responding to rapid changes in demands for skills. New vocational and education training arrangements with industry are expected to stimulate greater demand for courses on skills in short supply. This will drive further innovation while increasing industry’s willingness to invest in more training and skills development. It is crucial this training system is supported by quality training providers whose diversity and skills continue to meet the needs of industry, individuals and employers. The Queensland Skills Plan is intended to develop a new training system that is responsive to the changing needs of the labour market. This includes:

• increasing the number and capacity of quality training providers delivering apprenticeship training by making fundamental changes to the User Choice program

• developing a comprehensive professional development strategy for Queensland’s vocational education and training sector

• developing more innovative purchasing models to maximise the effectiveness of the state government’s investment in training

• establishing a new statewide Trade and Technician Skills Institute to lead product development and delivery in key trades areas

• establishing the Southbank Institute of Technology as the designated lead institute responsible for technological and high-level skills training and education

• creating an Australian Resources and Infrastructure Institute of Technology to provide whole-of-industry training solutions for the resources and infrastructure sectors

• implementing a more independent commercial governance model for TAFE Queensland institutes

• reorganising TAFE training delivery in the Brisbane metropolitan area • establishing designated TAFE lead institutes to lead product development and

coordination across the state in designated fields • enhancing third-party access to TAFE facilities and infrastructure • implementing a major capital works investment program to modernise TAFE.


Among the factors contributing to skilled labour shortages in rural communities are the outward migration of young people and the challenge of attracting new immigrant workers and professionals, such as doctors, to rural areas. These factors are compounded by rural communities’ ageing populations, which will require rural employers to plan for future skilled labour shortages. It is often challenging for rural employers to offer training opportunities locally to help workers develop the skills needed to participate in an innovative and changing economy. In 2007, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries launched an initiative to identify the types and location of skills shortages in rural areas of the state. Called the Skills Telegraph, this web-based initiative allows individuals and businesses to record information to be used in the Queensland Skills Plan. The Skills Telegraph will identify the right training for rural industries to attract, retain and develop a workforce that is able to take advantage of new opportunities and maximise profitability. 4.2.2 Social infrastructure Present commitments to social infrastructure in rural South East Queensland are listed in Table 1 (see section 1.2.3) Reliable access to healthcare and other services is an integral part of a strong rural community. Healthcare services are also sources of employment, contribute to the local economy and enhance the attractiveness of the community to existing and potential residents, businesses and healthcare professionals. For information on Queensland Health’s universal service obligation to small rural communities see Attachment 7. A recent study of social infrastructure needs of rural communities in the Lockyer Valley and Brisbane Valley found they have different service provision needs and standards compared to urban areas (SGS Economics and Planning, 2007). This is due to rural areas’ relatively small populations and the distance between local centres, in which services are normally located. The study found that the population thresholds for the provision of some services, such as community centres and high schools, were smaller in rural areas compared to more densely populated urban areas. Consequently, hierarchies of provision may differ between urban and rural settings (see definition below). Hierarchy of provision refers to different scales of infrastructure servicing varying sized catchments. For example, primary schools, child care centres and community halls generally service local catchments; secondary schools and community heath centres generally service district catchments; and hospitals, universities and correctional centres service sub-regional or regional catchments. The study recommended that, when determining the rates of provision of social infrastructure in rural areas, decision-makers take account of factors such as distance and access to services compared to urban settings. In addition to providing education, schools are part of the social fabric of rural communities—in some communities they are the only public institution. Schools help shape community identity and contribute to a high quality of life. A local school can attract young families to live, work and raise their children in that community. Post-secondary institutions also contribute to a high quality of life and to rural economic development. They offer local young people an opportunity to be educated near home, provide employers with educational services, and foster innovation through research and development.



4.2.3 Community-based transport One of the key issues for rural communities is the provision of a basic level of transport for the mobility-disadvantaged members of their community. In smaller communities this need is often difficult to service due to capacity, cost efficiencies, low demand, dispersed populations, long distances between centres/services, and limited resources and expertise. In every community there are individuals and/or groups for whom private vehicles, public transport, commercial bus services and/or taxis are either not available or unsuitable. These include the elderly, young people and people without private transport. In these instances, a community-based transport solution is required to provide access to recreational, shopping, educational, medical and social services as well as social contact for isolated people in the community, for example the disabled, young people and the elderly (Queensland Transport, Local Government Association of Queensland, Cardno Eppell Olsen, 2006). Features of community-based transport:

• usually meets the needs of a particular target group • timetables, fare structures and vehicle types are tailored to the users of the service • services typically operate only on-demand, door-to-door and/or on fixed routes and at

certain times/days • services are not limited to short or long distances.

Examples of community-based transport solutions include:

• community car/s • community bus/es (e.g. council, RSL, club, shopping centre bus) • taxis (e.g. subsidised fares for specific users/trips) • brokering existing commercial services/vehicles • improved coordination of local transport resources • improved support for transport services (promotion, information and use of web and

mobile phone technology).

Queensland Transport and the Local Government Association of Queensland have jointly developed two documents to address the transport disadvantages confronting communities. The Community Based Transport Guidelines are specifically designed to assist local governments in assessing community transport needs. The guidelines explore solutions developed by other governments across Australia. The Community Based Transport Toolbox provides local governments with a practical, hands-on reference for identifying transport options. It also assists councils, community members and groups with community based transport planning and implementation. Visit the Queensland Transport website at www.transport.qld.gov.au.


4.2.4 Community wellbeing and safety Community wellbeing involves a community’s capacity to train and sustain leaders and local champions; develop non-profit and voluntary organisations; support recreational, cultural and heritage activities and facilities; and foster a sense of safety and security. Communities rely on volunteers to deliver a large number of community and social services. Rural South East Queensland however, has a smaller pool of skilled leaders and volunteers than urban areas. Moreover, rural communities often lack the resources and facilities for the recruitment, training, education, management and recognition of volunteers. Safety and security are also important to community wellbeing. While all communities deal with these issues, the increasing number of rural seniors may make this demographic group more vulnerable to crime.

4.3 Suggested actions The following actions are part of existing government programs or potential future actions to build community capacity and strengthen community wellbeing in rural communities. Would they work in your community? What other actions are needed?

A skilled labour force

i. Work with employers to identify needs, retrain employees and upgrade and diversify their skills.

ii. Implement the Queensland Skills Plan. iii. Work with educational institutions to offer courses that target skill gaps in the regional

labour force. Social infrastructure

iv. Establish programs to enhance the delivery of community services. v. Implement shared service provision models to maximise use of facilities and assets. vi. Establish a community facility renewal program to support maintenance of important

community assets. vii. Provide social infrastructure in rural areas at appropriate levels of service. viii. Promote the use of tele-health to assist the delivery of specialist health services in

rural communities. Community-based transport

ix. Fund improvements to community transport infrastructure and services to rural areas. Community wellbeing and safety

x. Assist rural volunteer organisations to recruit, train and manage volunteers. xi. Establish and maintain a web-based inventory of regional recreational, cultural and

social facilities and events. xii. Investigate the feasibility of an annual regional event to showcase the regions cultural

activities, arts and crafts and agricultural produce. xiii. Facilitate community communication of priority rural issues to Ministerial Regional

Community Forums.



5. Leadership and collaboration Ensure the South East Queensland Rural Futures Strategy is implemented.

5.1 Overview The unique needs, issues and perspectives of rural communities in South East Queensland need to be heard on an ongoing basis. Moreover, they should help shape government policy and set the course for the development of rural communities across the region. Currently, there are two advisory bodies providing voices on matters of interest to residents and industries in the region’s rural areas: the Rural Futures Committee and the Regional Landscape and Open Space Advisory Committee. The Rural Futures Committee is responsible for providing advice on the preparation of the strategy and will complete its work when the strategy is released. The issues in rural South East Queensland are similar to some of those being experienced in rural areas elsewhere in the state. These issues have been identified in the Blueprint for the Bush—a plan to ensure the future sustainability of rural areas outside of South East Queensland (and other major regional centres). The main difference in South East Queensland is the close proximity of large population growth centres. Issues like access to district-level services, rural economic development and natural resource management can be as pertinent to rural South East Queensland as they are to other rural areas. The Blueprint for the Bush was released in 2006 by the Queensland Government, AgForce and the Local Government Association of Queensland. Successful, relevant and applicable initiatives from the Blueprint for the Bush should be considered for inclusion in the strategy to ensure effective strategies are in place for all of the state’s rural areas. For rural communities in South East Queensland to have a strong voice, they need to have input into policy and decision-making at the community level, management level and political level.

5.2 Development and implementation of the Rural futures strategy 5.2.1 Community representation An advisory committee is needed to ensure the Queensland Government is kept well informed, with representation from the communities, industries and government agencies in the regional rural areas. Where possible and appropriate, existing bodies should be considered for this role. Currently, the Regional Landscape and Open Space Advisory Committee provides advice on the suite of open space, environmental management, landscape planning and outdoor recreation issues in the region. For this body to provide advice on the issues covered by the strategy, its scope and representation would need to change. Future advisory arrangements for the Blueprint for the Bush may also have an influence on the membership and function of an appropriate advisory committee.


This representative group of citizens would be asked to monitor the issues and challenges in rural South East Queensland and to provide advice directly to the Queensland Government on an ongoing basis. This permanent voice for rural citizens will ensure they have regular input to government policy decisions, particularly those that have an impact on rural communities. In addition to a broad rural advisory body, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s Sustainable Agriculture Strategy has identified the need for an Agriculture Advisory Committee to provide a strong voice to ensure the continued prosperity of the region’s agricultural sector. 5.2.2 Management arrangements At the management level, there is a need for a coordinating body to develop policy and funding proposals in partnership with the state and local governments. There is a need for more focused research, sharing of information, development of best practices, and targeted support to build leadership, capacity and resources in rural communities. This may be by way of a new Chief Executive Officers Committee or the expansion of the Sustainable Agriculture Committee, which currently has a statewide focus and includes representatives from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources and Water, Environmental Protection Agency, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Agforce and the Regional Groups Collective. If a new management body were formed, it would include chief executive officers from the above mentioned organisations, alongside representatives of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation and rural local governments in the region. This body would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the strategy, developing funding proposals for consideration by the state government, monitoring progress, and reporting to the Regional Coordination Committee.

5.2.3 Political representation Continuing cooperation between state and local governments is vital to planning for the future of South East Queensland’s urban and rural areas. The Regional Coordination Committee, comprising representatives of state government ministers and local government mayors, provides the forum for debate and decision making on issues affecting the region. The Regional Coordination Committee was established to advise the Queensland Government, through the regional planning Minister, on the development and implementation of the SEQ Regional Plan, including the range of strategies to achieve the plan’s outcomes. 5.2.4 Implementation and monitoring The draft strategy is only a starting point. The final strategy will include an action plan that will identify:

• the actions to be undertaken • which agencies and organisations will be responsible for these actions • funding • timelines • indicators for monitoring success.



The proposed management committee will be responsible for ensuring the outcomes are achieved. Specifically, the committee will:

• work with rural-based organisations to identify issues and challenges, review current and emerging government policies, and facilitate collaboration in addressing rural issues

• work with government agencies to reduce barriers to services in rural South East Queensland, ensure all government policies, rules and regulations are reviewed from a rural perspective, and address issues specific to rural South East Queensland

• develop a gateway for rural communities to access a full range of services and support from governments and non-government service providers

• work directly with rural communities that need assistance in facilitating rural leadership, rural community planning, and small business development

• provide ongoing support for the work of the proposed advisory committee • use existing state government resources to establish ‘transition teams’ to work directly

with communities facing economic and community development challenges • provide leadership and direction for research, best practices, information sharing, and

the development of tools for communities to use to adapt to change and develop sustainable communities

• establish targets, monitor progress and report to the Regional Coordination Committee • oversee the review of the strategy.

To be effective, the management committee will need to be supported by a dedicated rural planning unit located in a state government agency. Currently, a number of different agencies administer programs and services that impact directly or indirectly on rural South East Queensland. These include the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources and Water, Environmental Protection Agency and the social service agencies—Department of Communities, Disability Services Queensland, Queensland Health, Department of Education Training and the Arts, Queensland Police Service and Emergency Services. Partnerships between the state and local governments, industry organisations and community groups will be an important component of the implementation program.

5.3 Suggested actions Following are suggested actions for the effective implementation of the strategy. Would they work? What other actions do you suggest?

i. Establish an advisory and management structure for the coordination and implementation of the strategy.

ii. Move towards a coordinated and consistent strategy for the rural areas of Queensland.

iii. Confirm a state government 'lead agency' with principal responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the strategy.

iv. Explore opportunities to mirror relevant successful Blueprint for the Bush initiatives in the strategy.


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Glossary Infrastructure Plan: The South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2005–2026.

Regional activity centre: A centre or proposed centre identified in the South East Queensland regional activity centres network. These centres support a concentration of activity, including higher-density living, business, employment, research, education and services.

Regional Coordination Committee: The committee established by the regional planning Minister under section 2.5A.3 of the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA) to advise the Queensland Government (through the regional planning Minister) on the development and implementation of the regional plan.

Regional planning Minister: The Minister administering section 2.5A of the IPA.

Regulatory Provisions: Regulatory Provisions made under section 2.5A.12 of the IPA in respect to the South East Queensland region.

Rural precinct: Land identified in an Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA) planning scheme as a rural precinct using guidelines developed under the regional plan.

Rural–residential purpose: A purpose that is predominantly a residential purpose involving a single dwelling on a lot greater than 2000 m2.

Rural village: A location named in accordance with the Place Names Act 1994 that comprises residential dwellings, some urban activity and is not located within the Urban Footprint.

South East Queensland Regional Plan: The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005–2026, developed in accordance with section 2.5A of the IPA.

South East Queensland region: The 18 local government areas within the South East Queensland region and the waters adjacent to these areas as defined in section 2.5A.2 of the IPA.


Acknowledgements The draft Strategy has been prepared by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, with the assistance of the Rural Futures Committee. The contribution of a large number of individuals and organisations is acknowledged and appreciated. With special thanks to the members of the Rural Futures Committee: Dr Vivian Edwards Chair Cr John Brent Boonah Shire Council Cr Joan Burke Esk Shire Council Cr Ray Kelly Noosa Shire Council Cr Joy Drescher Beaudesert Shire Council Ian Schmidt Department of Infrastructure and Planning Geoff Beare Department of Natural Resources and Water Craig Mathisen Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Tony Roberts Environmental Protection Agency Majella Ryan Department of Communities Des Boyland Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland Prof Geoff McDonald CSIRO Dr Darryl Loy Choy Chair, Regional Landscape and Open Space Advisory

Committee Gary Sansom Queensland Farmers’ Federation Jan Davis Growcom Peter Kenny AgForce Simon Warner SEQ Catchments. Staff from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning: Mick Capelin Anthony Matheson Bill MacFarlane.



Appendices

Attachment 1—Secondary sources of information

• SEQ 2021: Rural Futures (2002)—a regional strategy for rural communities and agriculture prepared by the Department of Primary Industries and the South East Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.

• Rural Futures Forum (April 2006), Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Brisbane.

• Cultivating a sustainable future for peri-urban agriculture in SEQ (2006), Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

• Future use of Sunshine Coast cane landscapes (2006)—CSIRO report to SEQ Catchments.

• Future use of Rocky Point cane landscapes, gold Coast (2007)—CSIRO report to SEQ Catchments.

• Use of rural land for tourism and outdoor recreation (2006)—report by Sharon Boyle and Scott Alston to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• South East Queensland rural economic analysis (2006)—report by Jackie Robinson and Mark Mangan to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• SEQ Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (2007)—Queensland Farmers’ Federation report to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• Social infrastructure planning in the Lockyer Valley and Brisbane Valley (2007)—report by SGS Economics and Planning to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• Incentives for rural businesses in SEQ (2007)—report by Brian Venz to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• Enhancing South East Queensland Rural Communities’ Public Transport Services —project by Laurel Johnson for the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

• A survey of social values of SEQ landholders—project by the Centre for Rural and Regional Innovation, University of Queensland, Gatton.

The Rural futures strategy for South East Queensland has links with a number of current strategic planning processes addressing key resource, economic and environmental issues, including:

• South East Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy, Queensland Water

Commission (2007). • Regional Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Department of Infrastructure and Planning

(due in 2008). • Healthy Waterways Strategy, Environmental Protection Agency (due in 2008). • Queensland Tourism Strategy, Tourism Queensland (November 2006). • ClimateSmart Adaptation 2007–12, Queensland Government (June 2007). • Smart Queensland: Smart State Strategy 2005–2015 (April 2005). • Queensland Skills Plan, Department of Education, Training and the Arts (March

2006). • ClimateSmart 2050: Queensland climate change strategy 2007: a low carbon

future (June 2007).


Attachment 2—Global and national context The global economy Australia, Queensland and the South East Queensland region compete in a global economy. This is clearly evident by the range and variety of goods and services available to us daily from numerous regions within Australia and across the world. The World Bank notes that, while not all the effects of globalisation can be measured, the scope and pace of change can be monitored using four indices: trade in goods and services, financial flows, the movement of people, and technology and knowledge (World Bank, 2007b). Since the 1960s, many factors have contributed to the pace of globalisation. Barriers to international trade and investment continue to be removed, albeit slowly (especially in agriculture). Further advances in technology have dramatically cut transportation and communication costs, enabling production processes and distribution networks to move from local to global operations. Efficiency gains due to resource allocation at a global scale have made globalisation an increasingly powerful source of growth. The last two decades have seen the rapid rise of a number of developing, low-wage countries—including China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil—and the development of a larger, more integrated worldwide market for labour. These emerging economic giants are now serious competitors in the markets of developed countries, including Australia, and are providing quality goods and services to the international market. The world in 2030 What will the world look like in 2030? How will this impact on Australia and, more specifically, the rural areas of South East Queensland? By 2030, the World Bank estimates another 1.5 billion people will be living on the planet (up from 6.5 billion to 8 billion). More than 97 per cent of this growth is anticipated to take place in developing countries. Just one-fifth of the world’s population will live in the current developed world compared to one-third in 1950 (IMF, 2007; The World Bank, 2007a). Once considered to be on the periphery of the global economy, developing countries’ share of global economic output is anticipated to increase from one-fifth to one-third. Integration of the global economy is likely to enter a new phase, fuelled by further growth in the services trade. Rapid technological progress, together with an expanding trade in goods and the growing global sourcing of labour, will continue to drive the expanding economies of developing countries. Agriculture accounts for approximately 2 per cent of the economic value of most developed countries. Resource-rich countries, including Australia, will continue to be key sources of sugar, grain and dairy products.

Australia in 2030 By 2030, Australia’s population is estimated to reach 25.9 million. The ageing of the population will continue to pose challenges for economic growth, especially the labour market. The rate of ageing will quicken after 2010. The fastest rates of growth are anticipated to occur in the numbers of people aged 65 and over.



Declining mortality rates and higher life expectancy, as well as the ageing of the baby boomer generation, mean that about 25 per cent of the population is projected to be aged 65 and over (Australian Government, 2007; World Bank, 2007a). Total labour force participation rates (people aged 15 and over) are projected to fall, reflecting the rapid increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 and over. However, the recent increase in labour force participation by older workers is likely to continue. Overall, the combination of these factors points to a slowing of economic growth in the 2020s (Australian Government, 2007). Natural resources, including land, water and other resources, are essential inputs into Australia’s productive capacity. The sustainability of economic growth can, however, be undermined by the poor use of resources or degradation of the environment. The wellbeing of future generations may be affected by the activities of the current generation, if there is loss of productive capacity and/or social amenity resulting from the degradation of the environment (Australian Government, 2007). For Australia, and South East Queensland, to prosper and maintain its international competitiveness in 2030, efforts must be focused on areas of strength that have the greatest potential for growth in both emerging and existing industries. The Australian economy Australian regions, including South East Queensland, compete in a globalised economy, one that is becoming increasingly borderless due to improving communication networks and digital technologies. The knowledge-driven economy that Australia and South East Queensland is entering is unlikely to replace other economic activities, though technology will continue to change production methods. In 2005, Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was approximately US$732.5 billion—just 1–1.5 per cent of the world’s GDP—and it exported about US$151.7 billion worth of goods and services, making it the world’s fourteenth largest economy. Queensland accounts for about 19 per cent of Australia’s GDP (World Bank, 2007a; AusTrade, 2001).

However, Australia’s strong economy will continue to be challenged, in particular by low-labour-cost countries like China, India and Indonesia. The nature of competition is also changing, with many countries or regions competing on the basis of superior, customised, value-added goods and services. Maintaining a comparative advantage will require, in part, the capacity to rapidly mobilise skilled people, resources and the ability to nurture innovative ideas into new businesses, products and processes. The Australian workforce is as fully employed as it has been for the past 30 years, following 15 years of more or less continuous expansion. A national skills and labour shortage is evident across many sectors of the Australian economy and many regions globally. The resources boom of recent years is a clear example of one sector that continues to attract skilled labour, while other sectors, such as agriculture, struggle to find suitable labour. In 2006, Australia’s GDP growth weakened slightly, reflecting slower domestic demand and the impact of the drought. The challenges of climate change The Australian continent has warmed significantly over the past century (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007). Australia has also experienced an increase in the frequency of very hot days, and a decrease in the frequency of very cold nights. These temperature changes have created abnormal climatic conditions—more frequent, persistent and intense


droughts, more frequent heavy rainfall events, as well as increasingly frequent extreme events such as category-five tropical cyclones, and violent storms.

From the early 20th century to the early 21st century, there was an observed rise of 0.6˚C in Australia’s average maximum temperature and a 1.2˚C rise in the average minimum temperature. Most of this warming has occurred since 1950 and it is very likely that increases in greenhouse gases and aerosols have significantly contributed to this warming. During this period, we have experienced all of the ten hottest years since reliable instrumental records began (about 140 years ago) (CSIRO, 2006a). Computer models of the climate system are the best tools available for simulating possible future climate variability and change. These models include representations of the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and polar regions. Simulations that include estimates of natural and human influences can reproduce the observed large-scale changes in surface temperature over the 20th century, including the global warming that has occurred during the past 50 years (CSIRO, 2006a).

These simulations yield a global-average warming of 0.54–1.24˚C by the year 2030. The warming is not globally uniform, with greater warming over land and the polar regions than elsewhere (CSIRO, 2006a).

While global-average rainfall is predicted to increase, those increases will be at the poles and in the tropics, while decreases are simulated in the middle latitudes, such as southern Australia (IPCC, 2007). Climate change in South East Queensland Queensland's climate is subject to the influence of the greenhouse effect and associated global warming, with discernible changes now being detected in temperature and rainfall. CSIRO climate modelling suggests South East Queensland is likely to become warmer, with more hot days and fewer cold nights by 2030. For example, the number of days above 35˚C, in a given year, could average 3–6 days in Brisbane (now 3 days), while the number of cold days below 0˚C in inland areas is likely to decrease. Increased energy demand for cooling in summer is likely, as is reduced energy demand for heating in winter (CSIRO, 2006a). Water resources are likely to be further stressed due to projected growth in demand and climate-driven changes in supply for irrigation, cities, industry and environmental flows. A decline in annual rainfall and increased evaporation would reduce run-off into rivers. Droughts are likely to become more frequent and more severe, with an increased risk of fire. Impacts on agriculture are a key concern because of the sector's importance to the regional economy and its supply of food and fibre to the region and beyond. Predicting the impacts of climate change on agriculture is complicated. The types and locations of agriculture across Australia are diverse and the impacts of climate change will be equally diverse (CSIRO, 2006b). Low to moderate warming may increase plant growth (especially of frost-sensitive crops) and improve water use efficiency as a result of higher CO2 concentrations. But these benefits could potentially be offset by increased temperatures, reduced rainfall (and subsequent reduced irrigation), more frequent extreme weather events, increases in weeds, pests and diseases—possibly culminating in reduced yields (CSIRO, 2006a). Livestock is likely to be adversely affected by greater heat stress. In forestry, the CO2 benefits for plant growth may be offset by decreased rainfall, increased bushfires and changes in pests (CSIRO, 2006a).



Impacts from climate change have the potential to exacerbate other land degradation challenges, including salinity and soil erosion. Changes to the water balance and water tables can increase salinisation, and higher flood flows and drought-induced dust storms can result in dramatic soil erosion events. The Queensland Government released ClimateSmart Adaptation in June 2007. The plan includes 62 actions, focusing on seven priority sectors as identified by industry and the community (NRW, 2007a): • water planning and services • agriculture • human settlements • natural environment and landscapes • emergency services and human health • tourism, business and industry • finance and insurance. Released in 2007, the Queensland Climate Change Strategy ClimateSmart 2050 establishes long-term goals and provides a platform for the government, community and industry to move towards a low-carbon future. A key commitment is the establishment of a $300 million Queensland Climate Change Fund, with interest earned on the fund providing an estimated ongoing funding source of approximately $20 million a year for future climate change initiatives (Queensland Government, 2007b). The South East Queensland Regional Plan includes the following principle to address climate change:

Manage urban settlement and the use of transport, industry, energy and natural resources to minimise adverse impacts on the atmosphere.

A number of policies in the plan are intended to implement and support this principle: • Improve energy efficiency, transport systems and land use practices to help reduce

greenhouse gas emissions. • Assess the impact of potential climate change in preparing planning schemes and land

use strategies.

Energy demands Access to low-cost energy underpins Australia’s and South East Queensland’s economy and virtually every aspect of our daily personal and professional lives. Australia has an abundance of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, although the use of non-renewable resources, predominantly coal and oil, has historically dominated energy demand. Vast coal reserves conveniently located near urban settlements and energy markets have ensured that coal has dominated base load electricity generation in Australia (CSIRO, 2000b). Substantial natural gas deposits are also dotted across the country, however the biggest of these are located far from the large domestic markets on the east coast of the continent (Powell, 2001). The nation’s oil resources are significant but reserves are declining in the absence of new discoveries; our daily needs are now heavily dependent on imported oil. While Australia is about 60 per cent self-sufficient in oil, significant exports of oil products have ironically resulted in approximately 85 per cent of our daily needs being met by imported oil. This dependence has resulted in Australia being vulnerable to short-term international supply problems (Robinson, 2005).


Notwithstanding our demand for imported oil, Australia is a net energy exporter—a reflection of significant world demand for our coal, natural gas and uranium resources.

Oxley Creek to Ocean In 2006, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) launched the Oxley Creek to Ocean (O2) project, which involves creating a regional carbon sink in South East Queensland by planting trees to absorb CO2 and reduce emission levels in the atmosphere. It will be created over a number of years on public and private lands as a partnership between urban and rural councils, community bushcare groups, the private sector, other levels of government and private landowners. Under the project, one million trees covering 1000 hectares will be planted in South East Queensland with a carbon sequestration potential of between 15 000 and 20 000 tonnes per annum for at least 30 years. Ultimately, this regional carbon sink could cover up to 400 000 hectares. BCC made a commitment to underwrite the cost of the work in the first year. In coming years, additional funds will be raised via voluntary public subscriptions and partnership projects. The community will also be challenged to become carbon neutral by subscribing to the project and buying carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental issues, in particular climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon trading, raise the question whether the mix of fuels and technologies Australians currently use will continue to be appropriate in the future. An equally important issue is our current dependence on oil. The rural areas of South East Queensland are equally dependent on oil for most transportation and agricultural production requirements. Direct expenditure on petroleum-based products by rural enterprises, including agricultural industries, may appear insignificant. However, many agricultural industries use fertilisers, chemicals and road transport that are made with, or dependent on, petroleum products. The precise moment of peak oil production is difficult to predict. The majority of estimates cluster between now and 2020. ‘Peak oil’ refers to the ‘maximum oil production rate’ that generally occurs after half of the recoverable oil in an oil field has been produced, at which point production will decrease over time. It means the rate of oil production cannot increase. It does not mean production will suddenly cease. World oil production is anticipated to grow by 50 per cent by 2025 (Hirsch, 2005). Limited public transport options within and between many rural towns make rural communities particularly vulnerable to any sudden oil price rise in the short term and the lack of a clear ‘oil substitute’ within the next 20 years. Energy, greenhouse gas and carbon markets Greenhouse gas emissions come from a variety of sources and locations, with the production and use of energy generating the most emissions. The World Resources Institute estimates that approximately 61 per cent of global greenhouse gases in 2000 emanated from energy use. Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows the nation’s emissions come from a variety of sources. In 2005, 559Mt of CO2 were emitted in Australia, with the energy sector—including stationary energy and transport—accounting for 70 per cent of total emissions.



Queensland emitted 157Mt of greenhouse gases in 2005. The change in emissions from each sector between 1990 and 2005 is illustrated in Figure 10. According to the CSIRO, Australia’s long-term greenhouse signature must involve changing the way energy is produced and used. Australia’s energy sector emissions reflect the nation’s fuel mix, economic structure and lifestyle. Electricity generation is dominated by coal and the transport sector is dominated by the use of petrol or diesel—fossil fuels that emit CO2. It is clear there are a number of challenges ahead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, a number of opportunities are emerging, including the establishment of carbon markets, with ‘carbon credits’ used as a currency to offset the impact of carbon emitted privately or by business One method of offsetting carbon emissions is by re-vegetating cleared land. Carbon is stored or captured in trees as they grow for an agreed fee and period of time. In South East Queensland, such a carbon capture method could greatly benefit farmers and other landholders—struggling from the effects of the worst drought on record—while helping to maintain the long-term sustainability of the region’s rural areas. Figure 10. Change in emissions from Queensland sectors between 1990 and 2005 (Mt CO2-e)

Source: State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 2005; Australian Greenhouse Office, 2007.


Attachment 3—Examples of the diversity of rural businesses in South East Queensland Wineries

Warrego Wines Ipswich region Albert River Wines Canungra Kooroomba Winery Mt Alford Sirromet Winery Mt Cotton Blind Man’s Bluff Vineyards Kenilworth

Livestock Wadham Park Equine Centre Canungra Glasshouse Country Farms (pork) Beerburrum PlasVacc (veterinary plasma) Kalbar

Recreation and tourism Landcruiser Mountain Park Jimna Mt Barney Lodge Boonah Forsdale Farmstay Gatton

Traditional farming Paxton Horticulture Woombye Keller Vegetables Lockyer Valley Flewell-Smith Pineapples Glasshouse Mts Rohan Dairy Farm Kerry Valley Davis Poultry Farm Beaudesert Mulgowie Farms Lockyer Valley Pinata Marketing Wamuran Nu-Harvest (online organic produce) Burnside

Nurseries Birdwood Nursery Nambour Withcott Seedlings Withcott

Value adding Olive Products Australia Coominya Calthapharm Nutraceuticals Yandina Botanical Food Co Pty Ltd (gourmet garden) Woombye Galeru (native fruit sauces and bakery products) Sunshine Coast Kenilworth Country Foods Kenilworth Simply Fine Foods Currumbin Valley Brisbane Valley Meats Esk Mango Hill Ginger Farm Peachester Bunny Bite Farms Boonah

New products Bamboo Australia Belli Cedar Hill Corporate Group (native flora) Palmwoods Qld Timber Plantations Yandina Cedar Creek Farm Bush Foods Belli Park



Attachment 4—Strategic priorities for tourism in South East Queensland Country Attract high-value visitors to the destination through increased awareness in target markets South East Queensland Country is capturing only a small portion of all the holidays taken by the Brisbane and South East Queensland target market. The priority is to focus on the most valuable market segments, namely those people:

• staying overnight (converting day trips) • staying in commercial accommodation and/or spending on commercial attractions

and/or tours • travelling outside of sub-destination peak times.

Increase the value of tourism to all sub-destinations through better dispersal of visitors and off-season travel Currently, only 6 per cent of visitors to South East Queensland Country stay in multiple locations on any one trip or tour. This confines tourism’s economic benefits to hot spots and reduces visitors’ exposure to South East Queensland Country’s diversity of experiences. The priorities over the three years (2007–2010) are to:

• encourage more touring • investigate strategies to attract repeat visitors more likely to disperse • explore ways to attract visitors during off-peak and shoulder periods.

Develop sustainable destination experiences South East Queensland Country’s tourism product has grown rapidly over the past ten years and continues to exceed customers’ expectations. However, a critical mass of product is needed to enable South East Queensland Country to effectively compete with coastal destinations. New products need to be developed and/or existing ones expanded. This needs to be done in a planned way that meets market needs and expectations. Encourage innovation and investment through a planned approach Public and private sector investment in infrastructure and product is an essential part of South East Queensland Country’s future success. Innovation is essential. As a geographically dispersed destination, finding innovative ways to link the key attractions and experiences is vital to making South East Queensland Country an attractive short-break holiday destination.

(Tourism Queensland, 2007)


Attachment 5—Agriculture in peri-urban areas In recent years, the interface between urban and rural regions—known as the peri-urban area—has become the focus of increased planning attention and research. This is due in part to the rapid land use changes and conflicts that occur in rural areas subject to pressures from urbanisation—pressures experienced in peri-urban areas around the world. In 2006, a Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries study into the future of agriculture in the South East Queensland peri-urban area (Stockwell, 2006) identified more than 20 projects in the region that were addressing one or more peri-urban issues. Through a series of forums with regional agricultural and community stakeholders, the study identified priority goals and challenges for agriculture in the peri-urban area. Priority goals, challenges and opportunities for agriculture in peri-urban areas

Priority goals Challenges Profitable enterprises run by a mix of full- and part-time producers

• water costs and availability • inappropriate planning and policy • land price and availability

Healthy landscapes • difficulty of managing water, nutrient, chemical and waste cycles

• inappropriate planning and policy • inadequate knowledge management systems

and practice • limitations on the availability and utility of

existing biophysical data Supportive institutional frameworks • over-emphasis on urban planning and policy

• lack of state government commitment to peri-urban agriculture

• lack of communication and coordination Biosecurity systems protect people, communities and agriculture

• lack of cohesion/agreement on agriculture • lack of communication and coordination • loss of social resilience

Adaptive farming systems—manage uncertainty and variability

• difficulty in overcoming short-term vision • capacity of farmers to change and adapt to a

changing landscape • inadequate knowledge management systems

and practice (Stockwell, 2006)



Attachment 6—Future rural water supply options The Lockyer, Albert, Logan and Warrill/Fassifern valleys and Sunshine Coast account for most of the rural water used for irrigation in South East Queensland. In the Lockyer Valley, groundwater use exceeds sustainable yield, and SunWater schemes are highly unreliable. Water could potentially be sourced from the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project when the water is not required for urban purposes. Increased demand may be met by:

• co-management of groundwater, with temporary trading • supply of up to 25 000 ML/yr from recycled water • on-farm water use efficiency gains (of up to 10 per cent) • restructuring of supplemented supply arrangements.

In the Warrill/Fassifern Valley, surface allocations for agricultural use are approaching full utilisation and the alluvial groundwater system is stressed. Because releases from Moogerah Dam have been suspended for the last four years due to low rainfall, groundwater is crucial to vegetable growers in the upper catchment. The 7000 ML/yr currently used by Swanbank Power Station could be reallocated when it switches to recycled water. Increased demand is expected to be met by:

• permanent water trading • sharing of SunWater’s allocation to Swanbank Power Station between urban and rural

uses • improved management of supply to farms (scheme performance monitoring) • securing existing access to groundwater and overland flow • on-farm water use efficiency gains (of at least 10 per cent).

In the Logan and Albert valleys, additional irrigation demand is likely to be met by trading of unused or unwanted allocations. Current monitoring of the Logan River Water Supply Scheme does not allow for effective management of the rural component. Increased demand is expected to be met by:

• permanent water trading • increased access to underground and overland flows • improved management of supply to farms (scheme performance monitoring) • sharing efficiency gains from scheme improvements (e.g. from reduction of

transmission losses) • converting unsupplemented entitlements in Teviot Brook to supplemented entitlements

from Wyaralong Dam • on-farm water use efficiency gains (of at least 5 per cent).

Rural water supplies on the Sunshine Coast are sourced mainly from unsupplemented creek flows, unregulated overland flow and aquifers. Future water demand is difficult to assess due to the fragmented nature of farming, uncertainty about trading arrangements, and the nature of unsupplemented supplies. Increased demand may be met by: • permanent trading, which could increase current use by about 10 per cent • on-farm water use efficiency gains (of about 10 per cent) • recycled water from urban centres, which may be an option in the future. (Rural water task group draft final report, Queensland Water Commission, 2006)


Attachment 7—Queensland Health’s universal service obligations Queensland Health has identified universal service obligations as the minimum standards of service to be provided to small communities of less than 7000 people. These include:

• access to primary emergency services, including limited treatment of minor injuries/illnesses and resuscitation and stabilisation of emergencies prior to retrieval by medical practitioners and other qualified staff

• emergency retrieval, in times of emergency or critical illness • access to primary antenatal and postnatal care, including screening for domestic

violence, mood disorders, financial stress and alcohol and drug use • access to child health services for all children. Child health services include

immunisations as per the National Immunisation Program schedule, newborn screening (screening for congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and galactosemia), well child checks at the age of five, school entry screening (including screening for visual acuity defects and permanent hearing impairment) and hospital-based neonatal hearing checks

• access to oral health services for all children • access to health promotion and injury and disease prevention services. This includes

whole-of-population campaigns on lifestyle risk factors, as well as government and non-government agencies working together to deliver health promotion campaigns

• access to appropriate and safe birthing services • access to a primary health care service via professionals such as rural generalists,

Rural and Isolated Practice Endorsed Registered Nurses, nurse practitioners, rural and remote paramedics, indigenous health workers and allied health professionals.

It should be noted that Queensland Health may not be the sole provider of all of the services identified under the universal service obligations. A range of providers and funding sources may be required in order to provide these services. Queensland Health, May 2007 www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/corporate/stateplan2007/QSHSP_explan_notes.pdf (viewed 6 September 2007).


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