Established in 2008, it was preceded by several previous local government areas with histories extending back to the early 1900s and beyond.

It identified a rural community of interest as well as ecotourism potential from the Scenic Rim, a group of mountain ranges forming part of the Great Dividing Range, and recommended the transfer of the entire urban growth corridor previously within Beaudesert to Logan City.

Along with Lockyer Valley and Somerset, it was expected to provide a rural hinterland for urban South East Queensland.

The arrangement was Boonah's second preference (its first was simply absorbing the rural areas of Ipswich) while Beaudesert opposed splitting or amalgamation.

A Local Transition Committee made up of staff and councillors of the dissolving entities was formed to manage the process.

South East Queensland's highest mountain is Mount Barney, reaching 1,356 metres (4,449 ft) above sea level.

[9] The Scenic Rim Regional Council operate libraries in Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra and Tamborine Mountain.

The council commenced a mobile library service in 2008,[10] which serves Beechmont, Harrisville, Hillview, Kalbar, Kooralbyn, Peak Crossing, Rathdowney and Tamborine.