The population of the narrow strip between Noosa and the Gold Coast – South East Queensland's "200km city" - will swell by 2.2 million to 5.5 million in 30 years.

This growth has forced the Queensland Government to issue a draft study to be released early 2016 to give early ideas of where future residential growth will have to occur, a spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning said.

Brisbane's population will continue to grow as Queensland's '200km city' fills up with another 2 million residents.

"The region is facing considerable growth over the next 30 years which may see its population rise from 3.3 million people to 5.5 million people – a significant challenge that will require both infill development, and new and well-located greenfield development to accommodate this growth," the spokesman said.

"The Queensland government is currently working with local governments, non-government organisations and industry to determine how and where this growth will be accommodated prior to releasing a draft plan in early 2016 when the community will be asked for their views on how SEQ should grow."