Council adopts strategic document to guide future growth of Grantham
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has endorsed a strategic document to guide the future development of Grantham.
The Grantham Structure Plan (Plan) provides a strategic framework and long-term vision for growth in the Grantham Structure Planning Area (GSPA) and will be used as an advocacy tool to seek funding for critical infrastructure.
Planning and Development Portfolio Councillor David Neuendorf said about 417 hectares of flood-free land in the GSPA, which sits south of the Warrego Highway, has been identified as potentially suitable for development.
“This Plan aims to deliver a complete, flood-resilient community with diverse housing and lot sizes, job creation through dedicated employment land, and new and upgraded infrastructure,” he said.
“We held community workshops commencing 12 months ago to seek input from the Grantham community, and their feedback and aspirations have shaped the Plan. We also engaged with key stakeholders, including the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Urban Utilities.”
A preliminary estimate based on the land area suggests the GSPA could accommodate 2,600 to more than 3,100 homes in the next 50-plus years, supporting a future population of 7,000 to 8,400 people. This is in addition to the existing township, which has a current population of 890.
Cr Neuendorf stressed that any future development would be subject to essential infrastructure being provided.
“Development of the GSPA relies on the timely delivery of critical infrastructure to kickstart and support future growth,” he said.
“The Plan recommends advocacy for flood-resilient transport links, water and sewerage upgrades, and planning for a future flood-free local town centre.”
The Plan was developed with funding from the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program Stream 1, which aims to increase future housing supply through improved long-term planning.
Councillors unanimously endorsed the Plan at the November Council meeting.
Cr Neuendorf said Grantham residents were invited to several consultation sessions that focused on both preferred levels of growth and possible layouts of Grantham in the future.
“Community priorities included flood-free access, infrastructure capacity, housing diversity and preservation of local character and the environment,” he said.
“The feedback we received has informed the final growth scenarios, identification of emergency access routes and infrastructure planning.
“It is important to note that this is a long-term plan subject to investment from all levels of government.”
Infrastructure capacity, detailed planning and evolving community needs will guide final housing densities, Cr Neuendorf said.
To view the Grantham Structure Plan, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/strategic-planning-projects
