The future of suburban South East Queensland will be at the focus of a day-long summit at the University of Queensland this month.

The UQ Placemaking Summit will include interactive sessions looking at how change is affecting the suburbs.

UQ School of Earth and Environmental Sciences head Professor Jonathan Aitchison said it was an ideal time to examine suburban design and planning in the south east corner.

“By 2038, the population of South East Queensland is expected to grow to over five million people,” he said.

“How will this population growth impact how we move, live and work in the middle and outer suburbs?

“And how will urban planners, designers, community builders and city managers respond?

“We’re hoping to find answers to these big questions, with leading policy makers, industry leaders, community builders, entrepreneurs, designers and members of the public.”

 “Participants will hear from and network with key industry movers and shakers such as AlloGroup, Avid Property Group, Brisbane City Council’s Oxley Creek Transformation group and the Gold Coast City Council,” Professor Aitchison said.

“The ABC’s Emma Griffiths will hosting a panel discussion exploring the future of Salisbury, featuring key people from FoodConnect, the Chrome Street Fiesta and the Ballistic Beer Co.

“And I’m particularly keen to hear UQ’s Dr Elin Charles-Edwards keynote presentation, offering a snapshot of change and disruption in our suburban landscape.

“A panel featuring The Myer Foundation’s Michael Myer and Economic Development Queensland’s Dr Michael Kane will explore the opportunities, threats and challenges that are making and remaking suburbs.

“With so many influential placemakers, the event is a must for those interested in shaping Australian cities and communities.”

The 27 November summit at the UQ Business School in Brisbane’s CBD  is part of the Placemaking Sandbox Project funded by The Myer Foundation.

Speakers and panel members will include representatives from industry, higher education, government and community organisations.

Full details and registration information can be found on the website.

Image above left: A snapshot of some of the speakers at this year's UQ Placemaking Summit.

Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.