THE Southern Downs is in the process of being shaped for the future, in the hope of offering more opportunity, employment, education and advancement for generations to come.

Shaping Southern Downs is the latest campaign being rolled out by the council in an effort to mould an over-arching plan for the region.

Mayor Tracy Dobie said it stemmed from an idea she'd had for about 18 months.

"We're very concious of the fact that we are probably one of the most diverse regional council areas in the state," she said.

"So this is about shaping all the different parts that make up the whole of our region.

"We want to move forward and we want to hear from the community about what they would like to see change and what they want to see stay the same."

One part of the council's plan is to see the region's population grow to 50,000, by bringing business and better infrastructure to the area.

A major part of the focus of the campaign will be hearing from the community, especially the younger generations, about how they would like to see the region grow.

Tayla Amps, 20, said it was important that Warwick not become too big and lose its country town feel.

"There's no doubt the region needs to move forward like it has been in recent times," she said.

"We like the small town vibe here, but more jobs and more opportunities are needed to make sure people stay and also to get people to move here."

Emma Lowe, 21, said she would like to see a modern Warwick in 20 years.

"Better facilities, better health services and more happy, healthy family fun," she said.

"While hanging onto good neighbourhoods and great people."

The Shaping Southern Downs survey will launch on the SDRC website from June 9.