Transport Road Map Vision and Strategic Directions
Incorporating transformative transport technologies in the future will be important, but these alone will not be a complete solution. To address SEQ’s transport challenges and achieve the desired transport vision, a regional strategy and approach will be required.
This section initially captures SEQ’s current strategic planning and vision statements from major plans developed by the SEQ transport stakeholders. Subsequently, a Vision for SEQ regional mobility is framed, along with the associated strategic directions for the next 25 years. These are based on the expressed mobility strategies of the stakeholders, and the strong desire of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) for a highly connected region (recognising the critical role of mobility for SEQ growth and prosperity in the 21st century).
A Review of Relevant Federal, State and Local Government Strategies and Plans
A review of the various visions and strategic directions relevant to transport for SEQ was undertaken.
This review sought to:
- Understand the vision and context for each Local Government Area (LGA)
- Determine if there is alignment between the vision statements and regional transport connectivity.
A Summary of the Findings of the Vision Statements and Strategic Directions Review
From the review of the visions and strategic directions of each level of government, Federal, State and Local Government Areas (LGAs), it is clear that there exists a consistent theme and desire to achieve sustainable (environmental, economic and social) outcomes across transport.
Some LGAs acknowledge their role as part of a wider SEQ. This is then demonstrated in either their vision and objectives or both. On the other hand, some LGAs do not necessarily have a desire to achieve regional transport connectivity. This may be in response to their intent to achieve economic, social or environmental objectives at the LGA level.
Despite some LGAs not necessarily seeking regional transport connectivity, either intentionally or not, it can be concluded that a majority of the LGAs do desire stronger regional connectivity. The stronger desire lines are from Brisbane to the west (Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley), Brisbane to the south (to the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast), Brisbane to the north (to Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast), and Brisbane to the east (to Redlands).
The existing visions and strategies have been reviewed and analysed, and an analysis was applied for the existing vision(s). The strategic SWOT findings of this analysis are outlined in Figure 3?1. In Figure 3?1 a reference to the “Regional Plan” relates to planning at the SEQ level whereas “Local Plan” relates to planning at the Local Government level.
Figure 3?1: SWOT Analysis – Existing SEQ Visions and Strategic Directions
Strengths (helpful to achieving the objective)
- Provides inter- and intra-regional connectivity; limitations are identified in the former leading to gaps with respect to world’s best practice.
- The transport strategy is aligned with the regional plan (and local plans), particularly around the timing of future development opportunities thereby supporting regional growth.
- The vision and strategy statement set an agreed mobility framework which guides mobility plans at the Local Government level.
- Economic, social and environmental objectives are incorporated as part of the regional plan and local plans and are also linked to the transport objectives helping drive and focus growth where desired.
Weaknesses (Harmful to achieving the objective)
- Inter-regional competition for transport and development funding impacts the focus on timing and delivery imperatives (e.g. out-of-sequence developments and transport infrastructure) for achieving and best supporting the vision.
- The required investment timelines for transport infrastructure place pressure on the regional transport budget, limiting the ability for the transport strategy to be delivered consistent with the vision.
- Significant changes in development patterns that are not aligned with land use planning create challenging transport infrastructure requirements, impeding delivery.
- Major Mass Transit projects, e.g., Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro, are not yet realised limiting the ability for the primary public transport spines to function. This, in turn, limits delivery of regional and local plans.
Opportunities
- Land use outcomes (Regional Activity Centres, Principal Activity Centres) consistent with the regional plan are defined providing clarity for industry and the community.
- The regional plan vision and strategic directions will help facilitate inter- and intra-regional cooperation and collaboration towards positive SEQ transport outcomes.
- Technological transport solutions, included in the regional plan and local plans, may support efficient and effective transport access for SEQ, e.g. Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s), Connected Vehicles (CV’s), AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics / Drones, Demand Responsive Transport (DRT). Transformative technologies may be promoted and accelerated assisting in making smarter investments in infrastructure and service, leading to bold mobility improvements for the region.
- The SEQ Plans will foster strong integration of transport and land use, and as such will deliver a multi-modal transport network across SEQ. These strong outcomes may also capture the interest and commitment of the private sector.
Threats
- Over time the transport priorities that support the regional plan (and local plans) change and there are certain misalignments between stakeholders impacting momentum.
- Funding is not always consistent with planned prioritisation, impacting the feasibility of delivering the regional plan (and local plans) outcomes across the region.
- SEQ LGAs and State and Federal Government agencies do not fully commit to the vision and strategy elements that are critical to the delivery of transport outcomes, negatively impacting the success of the regional plan as well as local plans.
- Anticipated land uses and development that would facilitate strong transport outcomes are not realised within the planned development timelines impacting regional growth.
A Shared Vision for Regional Connectivity
The proposed vision and related strategic directions for transport 2016 – 2041 are outlined below. Importantly, this vision has been developed based on (and aligned with) existing SEQ vision statements related to land use and transport, as well as on other key aspects including the environment and sustainability.
In agreement with the Regional Plan and some of the local plans, this shared vision promotes SEQ’s aspirations to be globally visible and competitive, as Australia’s eastern gateway to international markets. It supports growing our export share of the economy to create new activity and skills and expand the region’s productivity and efficiency. More jobs will be located throughout the region with better and healthier options for accessing them. As a result of the vision, lifestyle, jobs, housing and transport choices will be available and shape the quality, affordability, design and renewal of communities and places across SEQ. Indeed, a wide range of services, including health and education, will be located in order to be readily accessible to all.
SEQ Shared Transport Vision 2041
By 2041, SEQ will have a global reputation as a region that promotes growth, prosperity, connectivity, sustainability and provides liveability.
Our major centres will be ½ hour Smart Cities connected within a 45-minute Smart Region. This will mean all urban trips will be within ½ hour and all city-to-city trips within 45 minutes.
SEQ will be recognised for our commitment to continuously harness innovation in all areas including mobility. As Smart Cities, within a Smart Region, we will embrace real-time data, new digital and other advanced technologies and policies to improve our quality of life and reduce our environmental footprint.
Our world-class transport infrastructure will enable the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Efficient land use forms that support public transport integration, cycling and walking will also minimise our environmental footprint while maximising community amenity.
We will have a mature public transport system that is customer friendly, efficient, integrated, reliable and promotes connectivity and future growth while also reducing pressure on the road network and unlocking valuable space for freight, business and other trips.
By 2041 SEQ’s transport system will have achieved a balance between the provision of high quality public transport (mass transit) and the value of transformative technologies (e.g. Autonomous Vehicles, Connected Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics / Drones) and Shared Mobility (e.g. Demand Responsive Transit).
The summary vision for the transport Road Map is:
- Major Centres will be ½ hour Smart Cities connected within a 45-minute Smart Region.
- Our world-class transport infrastructure will include a mature public transport system that is accessible, efficient, reliable and promotes connectivity.
- We will minimise our environmental footprint and maximise community amenity.
- We will achieve a balance between the provision of high-quality public transport and the value of transformative technologies and shared mobility.
SEQ Regional Connectivity Strategic Directions
The proposed SEQ Regional Connectivity Strategic Directions are outlined below and in Figure 3?2. These are intended to be supportive of the proposed shared vision as outlined above. They are also in many respects consistent with the relevant strategic directions defined in the various Regional and local plans. However, there are notable changes that have been introduced to highlight the need for stronger regional connectivity (see also Figure 3?2), and the desire to achieve a balance between infrastructure investment and technological change.
As a result, the Strategic Vision is supported by five (5) key Strategic Direction principles:
- Support a corridor-based approach to the North, South, East and West.
- Develop a mass transit spine and a «hub and spoke» system along each corridor.
- Achieve a minimum 15% modal share of public transport by 2032.
- Plan efficient land use forms that “spark” and support strong levels of public transport integration, cycling and walking.
- Promote appropriate enabling transformative technologies and policies.

Figure 3?2: Regional Connectivity Strategy 2041
The proposed strategic direction and vision seeks to leverage improved transport outcomes across key corridors, namely (see also Figure 3?3 below):
- North Coast Corridor – The Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Corridor, from the Brisbane CBD to Maroochydore via Caboolture and the Moreton Bay Region
- South Coast Corridor – The Brisbane to Gold Coast Corridor, from the Brisbane CBD to Tugun via Beenleigh and the Logan area.
- Western Corridor – The Brisbane to Ipswich and Toowoomba Corridor, from the Brisbane CBD to the Toowoomba CBD via the Lockyer Valley
- Southern Corridor – The Brisbane to Beaudesert (Scenic Rim) Corridor, from Salisbury to Beaudesert
- Eastern Corridor – The Brisbane CBD to Redlands Corridor, from Buranda to Cleveland
- Brisbane Inner-Western Corridor – An inner Brisbane city corridor, between Indooroopilly and the South-East Freeway via the University of Queensland and Dutton Park
- Brisbane North-West Transport Corridor – The future inner Brisbane city corridor, between the Brisbane CBD and Strathpine.

Figure 3?3: Transport Corridors