The long term use of agricultural land suitable for growing sugarcane in south east Queensland has been studied to assist in planning for the future stability of the sugar industry in a rapidly developing coastal area (Capelin, 1979, 1987; Holz, 1979; Forster, 1989). These studies have provided local planning authorities and the sugar industry with necessary data for the formulation of strategic plans and policies for the rural areas concerned. The area of land required for the continued viability of existing sugar mills has been determined; the demand for land resources required by competing land uses has been assessed; and the location of suitable land that is available for long-term agricultural use has been identified.