Canungra community shapes shared vision for town centre
Published on 24 June 2026
Collaboration between Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Canungra community has shaped a shared vision for the town centre which has been endorsed in the Canungra Town Centre Master Plan.
Formed in early 2025 and chaired by Divisional Councillor Stephen Moriarty, the Canungra Town Centre Master Plan Committee brought the community together to work with Council to develop a draft plan grounded in community experience and local priorities.
Informed by community consultation, the final Canungra Town Centre Master Plan has been refined to ensure it aligns with community expectations and long-term aspirations.
Cr Moriarty said the Canungra Town Centre Master Plan provided a strong foundation for the town’s future and formed an important component of Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–2030, Planning and Place Making strategic goals.
"Its alignment with the Scenic Rim Growth Management Strategy 2041 and the Scenic Rim Integrated Transport Plan 2025–2035 provides a coordinated approach to sustainable growth and the preservation of Canungra’s character," he said.
"The community consultation feedback highlighted clear priorities for the Canungra town centre, with strong emphasis on managing traffic, improving pedestrian safety, securing long‑term water supply and ensuring the town remains accessible as it grows."
In total, 212 submissions were received from individuals and a stakeholder, with 82 per cent of respondents indicating they live, work or own a business in Canungra and a further 17 per cent being regular visitors.
Others noted connections to nearby areas or through family history, indicating feedback received during the community consultation reflects the views of those closely connected to the township and actively engaged in its future or who see Canungra as a destination for recreation, services and regular visitation.
Residents called for a bypass and safer streets to be addressed ahead of major streetscape changes, alongside improved walkability, protection of local heritage, more vibrant public spaces, upgraded local infrastructure and responsible management of the area’s natural environment.
Sixty-one per cent of respondents indicated they were very supportive and extremely supportive of the master plan vision, showing that the community believes the master plan vision provides the necessary direction for Canungra’s future and reflects the values held by residents for their township.
“The community has clearly articulated its priorities for the Canungra town centre: addressing traffic and water security; improving walkability and pedestrian safety; protecting heritage buildings; enhancing public spaces; upgrading essential infrastructure and ensuring responsible environmental management," Cr Moriarty said.
"This feedback provides a strong foundation for the next stage of planning.”
Cr Moriarty said discussions with the Department of Transport and Main Roads were underway to investigate bypass and alternative route options for the Canungra township.
“We’re committed to finding a solution that improves safety and traffic flow without compromising the community’s lifestyle," he said.
Cr Moriarty said Council would continue to advocate with Seqwater to ensure strong water security for the Canungra community as reliable supply, water quality and protection of essential infrastructure were critical to supporting the town's development and safeguarding its future.
"Council is grateful for the contribution of the Canungra community and the Canungra Town Centre Master Plan Committee members for their local insights, knowledge and expertise," he said.
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