Global Benchmark set for south east Queensland

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MEDIA RELEASE

27 MARCH 2025

Global Benchmark set for south east Queensland

An in-depth analysis of well-known regions across the world has set the benchmark for south east Queensland to secure a lasting legacy before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Games.
The independent Benchmarking ‘South East Queensland (SEQ) – in a global context’ report has emphasised the importance of improving connectivity, collaboration and the region’s global profile.
The report was launched today, Thursday 27 March 2025, at a joint Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Committee for Brisbane event ‘Measuring our City-Region – connectivity, productivity and global identity’.

South east Queensland is expected to grow three times faster than regions analysed in the report over the next 20 years.

This growth is a key factor driving the region’s economic growth rather than growing productivity, with the report highlighting a need to boost the region’s profile to attract investment and retain innovative talent.

The report also identified a need for continued investment in transport, with the region’s weekday bus and train services 28 per cent less frequent than the four largest cities analysed in the report.
The new international analysis builds on a 2017 benchmark comparing south east Queensland against similar destinations around the world.

The comparative analysis looks at regions of similar size, attributes and functions to south east Queensland, including; Greater Vancouver, Seattle-Puget Sound, San Diego Region, South East Florida, Greater Manchester, South Holland Region, Stockholm Region, Hamburg Region, Barcelona Region, Busan City Region, and Singapore.

The 2025 benchmark has been developed as part of wider input to inform the Smart Region Digital Plan. The Smart Region Digital Plan is one of the 29 commitments being delivered as part of the
South East Queensland City Deal, a long-term partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).

To view the Full Report visit: Benchmarking South East Queensland – Council of Mayors (SEQ)

To view the Executive Summary visit: Benchmarking South East Queensland – Council of Mayors (SEQ)

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Jarrod Bleijie MP:

“Under the LNP Government, Queensland is now open for business and it is crucial we work with local government and industry to deliver the infrastructure a growing South East Queensland needs.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering generational infrastructure with increased connectivity throughout South East Queensland.

“In partnership with SEQ Councils, the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan will realise the once in a generation opportunity to deliver what’s needed for Queensland’s future, with transport and infrastructure, tourism and grassroots community facilities.

“Insights from the report reinforce the need for stronger partnerships between all levels of government and coordinated investment to supercharge economic development, creating more jobs and more opportunities for SEQ.

Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“The Brisbane 2032 Games are a catalyst for all levels of government and the private sector to work together to ensure our region continues to be a great place to live.

“To make sure that happens, it’s important we look at similar cities across the world to understand how they are addressing both challenges and opportunities.

“South east Queensland is relatively unknown compared to other global cities and the Brisbane 2032 Games present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote our region to the world.

“The mayors of south east Queensland first pursued an Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver a lasting legacy for our residents.

“By working together with all levels of government and the private sector we can attract more investment, boost productivity and keep our region moving for decades to come.

“South east Queensland secured its first City Deal in 2021, providing a 20-year vision and commitment to support the region’s growth by all levels of government.

“More than three years into the Deal, this report highlights the importance of progressing discussions on further City Deal opportunities.

“We want to learn world-leading practices and work with all levels of government to deliver long-term legacies today, before the 2032 Games and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to Committee for Brisbane CEO, Jen Williams:

“A prosperous National and Queensland economy needs Brisbane and SEQ as one of Australia’s Big 3 capital city regions, competing at a global scale for innovation, investment, and talent.

“For a long time our region has punched above its weight. But its clear more work is needed to ensure we remain globally competitive and maximise the long-term benefits of hosting Brisbane 2032.

“Growing partnerships like the SEQ City Deal is one way all levels of government can work together to deliver on a long-term vision and plan to guide the growth of the region and respond to many of the challenges raised in the report.

“It provides a tangible opportunity to address national challenges at a regional level, like improving productivity, while providing the private sector with the confidence needed to innovate and invest.”

ENDS

2025 BENCHMARKING SEQ REPORT: HOW OUR CITY REGION COMPARES INTERNATIONALLY
HEADLINES:
– 2nd fastest growth in venture capital in last 10 years
– 2x range of globally-rated university programs
– 3x faster pace of growth over next 20 years
– Lowest air pollution of all 9 peer city regions
– Lowest share of income spent on mortgage payments
EMERGING RISKS^
– SEQ is 23% less productive compared to peer regions, with overall economic growth driven by population growth, and not growing productivity.
– 38% less frequency of public transport between region’s largest centres*
– 3rd fastest-aging population
– 54% lower population density in urban centres
– 9th of 10 for innovation economy
^2025 benchmarking scores and position vs SEQ’s peer regions
PEER & CASE STUDY REGIONS*
– Barcelona Region (7.3 million people)
– Busan City Region (7.8 million people )
– Hamburg Region (5.4 million people )
– Metro Vancouver (2.9 million people )
– Miami (6.3 million people )
– San Diego Region (3.3 million people )
– Seattle Region (4.0 million people )
– South Holland (3.8 million people )
– Stockholm Region (2.9 million people )
– SEQ (4.0 million people)
– Greater Manchester (2.91 million people)
– Singapore (5.64 million people)
*Average frequency between each peer region’s 4 largest cities based on weekday frequency of rail/bus journeys.

And the winner is… Queensland!

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The Committee for Brisbane has congratulated the Queensland Government and Brisbane 2032 Games Partners on their visionary response to the recommendations of the independent 100-Day Review.

 

Committing to the delivery of generational infrastructure that can be utilised by all Queenslanders before, during and after 2032 will fulfil the promise of legacy that underscored the original Games bid.

 

Jen Williams, CEO of the Committee for Brisbane, said, “There has never been a more exciting time for Brisbane- nor has there ever been such a clear window within which the city-region must take action to leverage the opportunities ahead.

 

“For too long, businesses and the community have been calling for a clear plan to allow them to move forward and make decisions about their future,” Ms Williams said.

 

“Brisbane 2032 provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to uplift the prosperity of the entire state of Queensland, and yet in recent times, it has come to be viewed as a burden.

 

“The leadership shown today provides an opportunity to reset the public narrative and allow Queenslanders to once again be excited about the Games and proud of the show their state will put on.

 

“From ideation, the Council of Mayors (SEQ)’s bid for the 2032 Games was all about infrastructure, planning for population growth, and broadening economic opportunities for the region. It was about Queenslanders benefiting from new investment and a platform for all levels of government to band together with a laser-like focus on a fixed delivery timeframe.

 

“The centre-piece of today’s announcement, a much-needed new stadium and entertainment precinct at Victoria Park, has unsurprisingly been met with overwhelming support from the Committee for Brisbane.

 

“The site ticks all the boxes in terms of proximity to the city, transport connections, minimal building constraints and most importantly, community need. Its co-location with an athletes’ village at the RNA makes logistical sense and will provide a lasting legacy of much-needed housing close to amenities.

 

“The other major announcement- regarding the contribution of the Go-Print site at Woolloongabba and proposed partnership approach for an inner-city arena- has also been welcomed as a step forward.

 

“For almost a decade, it has been acknowledged that Brisbane needs an inner-city arena to attract new sporting and cultural events, as well as being located close to existing bars, restaurants and hotels, to leverage the significant spending associated with live performances.

 

“While retaining direct funding for this project would have provided greater certainty of outcome, it is pleasing to see a clear path forward and a commitment to a new inner-city arena delivered ahead of the Games.

 

“It is imperative that now a clear direction has been set, Queenslanders are able to get on and deliver a world-class outcome for the Games and beyond.

 

“The leadership and vision of the Queensland Government and Games Partners must be applauded, as together Queenslanders can now focus their energy on the generational benefits of the Games,” Ms Williams said.