policy
SEQ Growth Plan Ballot Measures and Projected Shifts in Brisbane Infrastructure Levies
Two proposed measures on the October ballot would change how new development in Logan and Ipswich corridors contributes to roads, parks and water services used by existing Brisbane households.
How we reported this
Brisbane residents will decide on two ballot measures in October that amend funding rules under the SEQ Growth Plan for infrastructure tied to the 2032 Olympics. The measures target how developers pay for roads, drainage and open space in the Logan and Ipswich growth corridors.
The vote occurs as the state government advances its Olympics infrastructure pipeline, including the Gabba redevelopment and the Rivermakers precinct. Policy analysts note that current contribution rules were set in the 2023 SEQ Growth Plan update and have not kept pace with revised cost estimates released in the 2025-26 Queensland budget papers.
Effects on Rates, Services and Local Jobs
Under the first measure, levies collected from new housing estates would rise to cover additional water and transport works. Residents in established Brisbane suburbs could see their council rates adjusted if the city redirects general revenue to meet shortfalls in growth areas. The second measure would require developers to fund more parkland within the Rivermakers precinct rather than paying into a pooled fund used across the wider south-east region.
Local advocates note that households in Logan already pay an average infrastructure charge of $28,400 per new lot under existing rules. Any increase would flow into the cost of new homes, while unchanged charges could limit the number of new parks and bus routes built near existing communities in Ipswich.
Evidence from Budget Documents and Next Steps
The 2025-26 Queensland budget papers record that the state expects to spend $4.2 billion on SEQ transport projects over four years, with local councils required to meet a portion through developer contributions. The legislation states that councils must publish annual reports on how collected levies are spent within each corridor.
Voters will receive an information booklet from the Electoral Commission of Queensland by September. Early voting opens three weeks before the October poll, and results will determine whether the city can alter its 2027 rates notices to reflect the new contribution schedule.