Mayors representing one in seven Australians have descended on Australian Parliament House seeking stronger partnerships for one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.
Council of Mayors – South East Queensland (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said SEQ Mayors would speak with all sides of politics to strengthen the response to SEQ’s growth pressures and national housing crisis.
“South East Queensland is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and we want to seek genuine partnerships with our Federal colleagues to help keep our region moving,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Our councils are increasingly doing more for our communities while the share of the funding pie gets smaller.
“The Federal Government collects 80 cents in every tax dollar paid while local governments collect just three cents.
“Councils are the smallest level of government, yet they are now the largest financial contributor to the South East Queensland City Deal.
“South East Queensland residents deserve a fair share of funding from all levels of government and it’s something the mayors of our region continue to seek.
“Local government is closest to the community and we have a great track record of working with other levels of government to get things done.
“But the lack of support from other levels of government is putting the brakes on important projects.
“That’s why we’re asking our Federal colleagues to back South East Queensland and help ensure our region continues to be a great place to live, work and relax.”
By 2031 traffic congestion will cost more than $6 billion in lost productivity, with an additional two million residents expected to call South East Queensland home by 2046.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said councils were prepared to respond to the nationwide housing crisis with an ambitious target of 900,000 new homes across South East Queensland by 2046.
“Our region is the best place in Australia to live and clearly more people are voting with their feet wanting to call it home,” he said.
“But we need all levels of government on board to make sure our growing population has homes to live in that are serviced by great roads and public transport.”
CoMSEQ Deputy Chair and City of Moreton Bay Mayor Flannery said SEQ Councils were the perfect delivery partner for the Federal Government.
“SEQ is a great example of what can be done when three levels of governments work together, and invest together.
“The $1.8billion SEQ City Deal partnership is delivering new tripartite investment which is good for local residents, good for our environment and good for our local economy.
“For example, funding for Resilient Rivers SEQ is delivering a new $40 million program of works that will help to protect and enhance the region’s rivers, wetlands and the internationally significant Moreton Bay.
“But four years of funding does not fix decades of growth pressures. So we’re keen to hear a strengthened long-term commitment from the Federal Government to growing the successful foundation partnerships already underway across SEQ.
Mayor Flannery said ongoing investment by all levels of government in the region’s lifestyle was essential to support a great Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Ahead of Brisbane 2032 we know it’s local Council and community facilities where many of our elite athletes will begin their sporting journey. Ensuring local facilities can cater for increased participation will ensure success on the international stage.”



