The Council of Mayors (SEQ) was established in September 2005 as an independent political advocacy organisation that represents the interests of the one in seven Australians who live in the nation's fastest growing region - South East Queensland.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) aims to influence Federal and State government policy and funding priorities. It includes regional and city councils from the Gold Coast in the south to the Sunshine Coast in the north and west to Toowoomba. The region covers more than 35,000 sq kms of land including the local government areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Lockyer Valley, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

Each week for the past 10 years, around 1000 people have moved to South East Queensland. The region now has a population of three million people and this is forecast to reach about 4.3 million people by 2031.

To address issues arising from this unprecedented growth, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) recently re-evaluated and confirmed its key priorities, which include a strong focus on infrastructure, specifically dealing with the burden of traffic congestion. Efforts will also focus on improving patronage, service frequency and coverage of public transport and improving cycling infrastructure in the region.

South East Queensland mayors are united in progressing other priorities for the region, such as:

• Securing the region's water supply despite continuing drought
• Developing a regional carbon sink and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Advocating for true next-generation broadband services
• Improving housing affordability
• Establishing a single South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan endorsed by local, State and Federal governments

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) believes it is crucial that all levels of government to work together to benefit South East Queensland residents.