South East Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South East Queensland Queensland
Regions of Queensland with South East Queensland in the bottom right hand corner of the state
Population	3,800,000 (2020)
• Density	107.8/km2 (279/sq mi)
Established	1824
Area	35,248 km2 (13,609.3 sq mi)
LGA(s)	City of Brisbane, City of Gold Coast, Somerset Region, Sunshine Coast Region, City of Moreton Bay, Redland City, Logan City, Shire of Noosa, Scenic Rim Region, City of Ipswich, Lockyer Valley Region, Toowoomba Region
Localities around South East Queensland: Darling Downs Wide Bay–Burnett South Pacific Ocean Darling Downs South East Queensland South Pacific Ocean Darling Downs New South Wales North Coast South Pacific Ocean

South East Queensland (SEQ) is a special region in Queensland, Australia. It's home to about 3.8 million people, which is most of the state's population! SEQ includes Queensland's three biggest cities: Brisbane (the capital), the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. This area covers about 35,248 square kilometers and has 11 local government areas. It stretches from Noosa in the north to the Gold Coast in the south, and west to Toowoomba. It's the third largest urban area in Australia by population.

Europeans first explored and settled South East Queensland. Early towns grew around Brisbane and Ipswich. From the 1840s, industries like timber cutting and farming started. The region's transport system has developed around its varied landscape.

The economy of South East Queensland is strong, with many farms, factories, businesses, and lots of tourism. The area has a public transport system called Translink.

History of South East Queensland

Queensland's first railway linked Grandchester to Ipswich in 1865.

Before British settlement, about 20,000 Aboriginal people lived in South East Queensland. Local tribes included the Yugarapul, Yugambeh, Quandamooka, and Gubbi Gubbi people. Sadly, the Aboriginal population dropped to about 10,000 over the next 60 years.

Early explorers like Matthew Flinders and John Oxley visited the area. Around 1839, European settlers began to move in. Logging was the first big industry. Queensland's first railway was built in 1865, connecting Grandchester to Ipswich.

The region has experienced major floods in 1893, 1974, 2011, and 2022. In 2005, South East Queensland had its worst drought ever recorded.

Geography and Landscape

Travel map of South-East Queensland.

Queensland's fifth highest mountain, Mount Superbus, is in the south of the region. Major roads like the Bruce Highway and Pacific Motorway connect SEQ to other areas.

Wyaralong Dam was opened in 2011 to help with water supply.

South East Queensland has many mountains, including the McPherson Range and Glass House Mountains. Along the coast, there are large islands like Bribie Island, Moreton Island, and North Stradbroke Island. Many dams have been built here to supply water and control floods. Over half of the land is used for grazing animals. South East Queensland is also prone to floods.

Major Cities in SEQ

South East Queensland is a mix of the Brisbane city area and several other cities. It includes:

• Brisbane, Queensland's capital and largest city. Brisbane's area includes:
  • City of Brisbane, the biggest local government area in Australia.
  • City of Ipswich, Queensland's oldest industrial city.
  • City of Logan, a residential and industrial area.
  • City of Moreton Bay, a residential area to the north.
  • Redland City, a coastal residential area.
• Gold Coast, a top tourist spot and surfing city south of Brisbane.
• Sunshine Coast, another big tourist area north of Brisbane.
• Toowoomba, known as 'The Garden City', the largest inland city in Australia after Canberra.

New communities are being built in places like Springfield and Yarrabilba. More new towns will be needed as the population grows.

Airports in the Region

• Brisbane Airport – The main international airport, with flights to many countries.
• Gold Coast Airport – A fast-growing airport with flights to Asia and New Zealand.
• Sunshine Coast Airport – Offers flights to major Australian cities and New Zealand.
• Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport – The first major airport built with private money. It serves Toowoomba and aims to be a big freight hub.
• Archerfield Airport – A smaller airport for general aviation, south of Brisbane.
• Redcliffe Airport – Another general aviation airport on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
• RAAF Base Amberley – Australia's largest air force base, near Ipswich.

Industries and Jobs

Pineapple plantation at Cleveland in 1907.

Milking cows at Mount Maroon in 1935.

South East Queensland exports many crops like broccoli, onions, and sweet corn. The Lockyer Valley is a major farming area. In the past, timber cutting, mining, and dairy farming were very important. Now, tourism has grown a lot, along with professional services and manufacturing.

Many people in Brisbane rely on cars to get to work, especially if their jobs in health or education are far from where they live.

Population Growth in SEQ

In 2014, about 3.4 million people lived in South East Queensland. This means about one in six Australians live here! Most people live in the cities along the coast. Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast have 90% of the region's population. In 2020, the City of Ipswich was the fastest-growing area in Queensland.

Why the Population is Growing

South East Queensland is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. More people are moving here from other Australian states and from overseas. In 2010, SEQ's population grew by about 1,200 new residents every week.

Between 1991 and 2016, the population jumped from 1.9 million to 3.3 million. Experts expect SEQ to have 4.4 million people by 2031, and even 5.5 million by 2051. This fast growth puts pressure on schools and hospitals.

Protecting the Environment

Brisbane Koala Bushlands at Burbank in 2008.

West of the cities, you'll find mostly rural areas. The Lockyer Valley is a big farming region, often called "South East Queensland's Salad Bowl." Many World Heritage rainforests are along the southern border, in an area called the Scenic Rim. These include Lamington National Park.

Koala Conservation Efforts

The koala is a vulnerable animal in this region. They are threatened by losing their homes, diseases like chlamydiosis, and accidents with cars or pets. The Australian Koala Foundation says mining and building also threaten them. Koala numbers in Redland City have dropped a lot recently. The government has launched plans to protect koalas by planting trees and building koala-friendly fences.

Climate and Natural Challenges

Experts say South East Queensland is one of Australia's areas most affected by climate change. After many years of water restrictions due to severe drought, these rules were lifted in 2013.

A fire ant outbreak is happening in South East Queensland. In 2022, new areas were added to a special zone to help get rid of these ants.