The unacknowledged challenge that many LGAs are facing.
Much of the land use planning conversation in Australia focuses on booming regions and addressing the housing shortage that comes with high growth. But in some regional areas of Queensland, councils are grappling with the opposite problem: how to plan for areas where growth is flat or declining.
Planning for no growth presents unique complexities. Instead of managing rapid expansion, some councils are struggling to attract people, investment, employment opportunities and support services, as well as make use of restricted infrastructure — all with limited funding and constrained delivery options.
Planning gets complicated when growth stalls
PSA is helping shape long-term plans for communities where growth has stalled. These places often face intersecting challenges:
| Challenge | Impact |
| Ageing population | Rising demand for aged care and accessible housing |
| Seasonal population surges | Shortages in temporary and tourist accommodation |
| Weak housing pipeline | Limited developer interest and market viability |
| Single-industry economies | Vulnerability to market or climate shocks |
For example, the populations of some regional agricultural towns swell by up to 20% during picking seasons. Lack of temporary housing can force workers into caravan parks and other short-term accommodation – which limits availability for tourists.
Meanwhile, long-term trends in these regions often show populations that are ageing and shrinking. With an inconsistent (but still declining) population, service delivery and infrastructure planning become more difficult.
Strategies can only do so much
“Planning can facilitate, but it can’t force outcomes. We need realistic pathways for implementation.” – Kate
In regions with limited funding and minimal developer interest, even well-prepared strategies may not translate into new homes. Infrastructure provision and costs can often be the limiting factor.
We’re working closely with several regional councils who have received Commonwealth housing support funding to develop plans to unlock future housing supply within these regions. Provision of critical infrastructure will influence the ability of some towns to grow. Many regional councils are not equipped to fund the infrastructure needed to support housing delivery and require assistance.
Minimal funding, minimal progress
“Without help to fund the critical infrastructure needed to catalyse development, nothing moves.” – Kate
Federal programs like the Housing Support Program (HSP) are in place to support the delivery of increased housing supply by funding projects that seek to deliver enabling infrastructure, as well as provide amenities to support new housing development or improve building planning capability.
While Stream 1 of the HSP provides funding for projects that will improve planning capability, the Community Infrastructure Enabling Stream of the HSP provides funding for enabling infrastructure and community amenity projects. However, there is no guarantee that councils will receive the infrastructure funding needed to facilitate the delivery of housing, even if the planning has been completed.
This is where many smaller regional councils get stuck. They may receive millions in general-purpose grants each year, but those funds are stretched across roads, waste, community services and basic maintenance. They’re not necessarily designed to cover major infrastructure upgrades that enable things like new housing.
What we need to see
“Even just one or two small wins can signal progress and build support.” – Kate
To make a real difference in low- or no-growth areas, planners, councils and government should prioritise: