As Livingstone grows, Council sets plan for the spaces and services

Published on 28 April 2026

Livingstone Shire Council has taken another major step to proactively manage the region’s rapid growth, endorsing a new Social Infrastructure Planning and Investment Policy at its recent Ordinary Meeting.

The policy provides a clear, evidence-based framework to guide how Council plans, prioritises and invests in the community facilities, services and spaces that support liveability, from parks and community centres to libraries, sporting facilities and social services.

Mayor Adam Belot said the policy reflects a simple but important reality: growth in Livingstone is already happening, and it must be planned for holistically.

“People are continuing to move to our region, and with that comes an expectation, not just for housing and roads, but for the services, spaces and facilities that make a community work,” Mayor Belot said.

“Growth doesn’t just happen on paper. It shows up in our parks, our community halls, our sporting fields and our shared spaces.”

“If we don’t plan for that now, we risk falling behind, and that’s when communities start to feel the strain.”

Mayor Belot said while Council has been strongly focused on unlocking housing and delivering infrastructure, this policy ensures equal attention is given to the social side of growth.

“It’s not enough to build houses, we need to build communities,” he said.

“This policy ensures we’re thinking ahead about where people will gather, how they’ll connect, and what services they’ll need as our population grows and changes.”

The policy establishes clear principles to ensure decisions are transparent, equitable and aligned with community need, while also strengthening Council’s ability to prioritise investment in a financially responsible way.

Mayor Belot said the policy marks a shift away from reactive decision-making toward a more strategic, long-term approach.

“Without a clear framework, there’s always a risk that decisions are made case-by-case or in response to pressure,” he said.

“This policy gives us a consistent, evidence-based way to make those calls, ensuring we invest where it matters most and where it will have the greatest community benefit.”

“It also gives our community confidence that decisions are fair, transparent and based on real need.”

As one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, Livingstone is experiencing increasing demand not only for housing, but for the infrastructure that supports wellbeing, inclusion and community connection.

Mayor Belot said the policy is critical to maintaining the lifestyle the region is known for.

“One of the reasons people choose to live here is our lifestyle, our sense of community, our access to open space, and our connectedness,” he said.

“But those things don’t maintain themselves. They need to be planned for, invested in, and managed as we grow.”

“This policy ensures we can protect and enhance what makes Livingstone special, even as our population increases.”

The policy also positions Council to work more effectively with State and Federal governments, as well as the private and community sectors, to deliver social infrastructure.

Mayor Belot said collaboration will be key to meeting future demand.

“Council cannot and should not do this alone,” he said.

“This framework strengthens our ability to advocate for funding, partner with other levels of government, and leverage investment to deliver better outcomes for our community.”

Mayor Belot said the adoption of the policy reinforces Council’s commitment to leading the region through a period of significant change.

“Growth is not something we can ignore or delay, it’s happening now,” he said.

“Our responsibility is to manage that growth in a way that benefits our whole community, both now and into the future.”

“This policy is about taking that responsibility seriously, planning ahead, making informed decisions, and ensuring Livingstone continues to be a great place to live as we grow.”