Protecting our lifestyle and environment is one of the key priority areas in the government response to growth management.

As part of this priority, the government will protect Queensland’s unique lifestyle, increase greenspace and strengthen environment protection through initiatives that improve the sustainability of our actions.

To deliver on this priority, three key initiatives and six supporting actions have been identified.

Key initiatives

Long-term strategy to transform the breaks between urban areas

Develop a long-term strategy to transform the breaks between urban areas in South East Queensland’s key locations (including non-viable canefields) into major new greenspace and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Improve Queensland’s environment and natural resource protection

Improve Queensland’s environment and natural resource protection by finalising the Queensland Coastal Plan and the State Planning Policy for Healthy Waters as well as releasing for public comment a draft Biodiversity Strategy and the Strategic Cropping Land Framework.

Relocating part of the Mayne railyards

Test the feasibility of relocating part of the Mayne Railyards at Bowen Hills to develop major new inner city greenspace.

Supporting actions

Release the final Queensland Greenspace Strategy

Release the final Greenspace Strategy to deliver greater recreation and open space areas across Queensland, and develop Greenspace Network Plans for key regions to identify future greenspace areas and links.

Annual Target Delivery Plan

The 2011-12 Target Delivery Plan outlines specific actions that will help achieve the green space target to protect 50% more land for nature conservation and public recreation by 2020.

Green space as central consideration

Ensure green space is a central consideration in all new Urban Development Areas and structure plan areas.

State of the region report

Identify critical gaps in the quality and coverage of data needed to support the State of the Region Report to improve reporting on South East Queensland Regional Plan implementation.

Queensland integrated waterway monitoring framework

Release a Queensland Integrated Waterway Monitoring Framework that will improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of waterways monitoring in Queensland and contribute to enhanced land and water management decisionmaking by government, industry and the community.

'Most sustainable suburb' initiative

Investigate a 'Most Sustainable Suburb' initiative using social media networks to foster more sustainable living.

Queensland's waste avoidance and efficiency strategy

Release Valuing the Things We Waste - Queensland's Waste Avoidance and Efficiency Strategy. The strategy will include policies and initiatives that aim to:

• assist in dealing with the impact of population and economic growth in South East Queensland on waste
• better manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, including opportunities to increase energy generation from renewable sources
• help identify and plan for waste management and resource recovery infrastructure needs.