In a little over 20 years, South East Queensland will be heaving under the weight of 2.2 million extra people — but Kelly Nason and her baby Malea will not be among them.
The 137-page proposed plan will instruct local governments to make room in their streets and suburbs for "infill developments", creating more homes with a range of duplexes, townhouses and units.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles says the population of South East Queensland will grow and if planning isn't done now, "we risk losing the things we love" in our communities.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson says the era of every home on a quarter-acre block with enough room for five kids is over — and regions need to change.
Other cities around the world have faced similar issues, and experts say they can serve as an example of how to handle the millions bound for the south-east.
Real estate agent and Rainbow Bay resident Maria Hobbs says she is not against growth and development but has already seen too many bad examples.
Mixed zoning with each new development voted on by the people who live in the area. The company that puts forward the best proposal for residents gets the contract. (e.g. Luxury high rise = no, High rise with bakery, cafe, fruit & veg, grocers on bottom floor, and rentable office space on second floor = yes)