Community members across Bundaberg and the wider Wide Bay Burnett region are being invited to have their say on a new Queensland Government regional plan designed to guide growth and development over the next 20 years.

The draft Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 has now entered its public consultation period. The plan sets out a long-term vision for the region and identifies priorities intended to support population growth, housing, infrastructure, economic development and environmental protection.

The Wide Bay Burnett region is expected to experience substantial population growth over the coming decades. According to the draft plan, tens of thousands of additional residents are expected to move into the region, creating demand for as many as 48,945 new homes.

For Bundaberg, long-term population growth could have significant implications for housing, roads, public services, employment and community infrastructure. Planning ahead is intended to help local and state authorities prepare for these changes rather than responding only after demand increases.

The draft plan is structured around five key themes: housing, a thriving economy, ecotourism and biodiversity, healthy and liveable communities, and infrastructure.

Housing is one of the major issues addressed by the plan. Population growth can place pressure on existing housing supply and affordability, making long-term planning important for ensuring new residential development is supported by appropriate services and infrastructure.

Economic development is another central focus. The Wide Bay Burnett region contains a range of industries and regional communities, and future planning aims to support employment opportunities while strengthening the area's economic resilience.

Environmental considerations are also included. The region contains significant natural areas and coastal environments, meaning future development needs to balance population growth with protection of biodiversity and natural resources.

Infrastructure planning is particularly important for growing regional communities. Roads, public transport, utilities and community facilities need to expand alongside population increases to maintain liveability.

Residents are being encouraged to participate in the consultation process and provide feedback on the draft plan. Community input can help identify local priorities and highlight issues that may not be apparent from regional-level planning alone.

The consultation period runs from 31 July to 14 September 2026. The Queensland Government is also organising talk-to-a-planner sessions, both online and in person, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and discuss the proposals.

For people living in Bundaberg and surrounding communities, the consultation provides an opportunity to influence decisions that could affect the region for many years.

The final plan is expected to provide a framework for future government and infrastructure decisions across the Wide Bay Burnett region.

This is a new, unique Bundaberg-region development story published on 10 August 2026. It is separate from the yourtown employment-support story already sent. I have excluded duplicate coverage, property listings, court listings and unrelated regional Queensland stories.