Government outlines key directions for planning reform

Communities across Queensland, local councils and industry will be able to shape the future of their streets, suburbs and regions under the Palaszczuk Government’s new planning reforms.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad today released the directions paper Better Planning for Queensland, which will support community and industry consultation and guide the development of a new Planning Act.

“Queensland needs a fair and practical planning and development assessment framework to secure the long-term liveability, sustainability and prosperity for our communities, both now and into the future,” Ms Trad said.

“Better Planning for Queensland honours the Palaszczuk Government’s promise to Queenslanders that we would listen to councils, communities and the development industry to ensure new state planning and assessment laws were sensible, well-structured and easy to follow.”

Ms Trad said the Better Planning for Queensland directions paper will be discussed in workshops with community, local councils and industry from June ahead of a Planning Summit in July.

“Better Planning for Queensland will bring together the community, industry and council to help formulate a new Planning Act that can respond to the challenges of urban growth and is fair, open, transparent and easy to understand,” Ms Trad said.

“I want residents to have a strong voice in the planning and development decisions that affect the neighbourhoods and communities where they work, live and play.”

Planning Institute of Australia Queensland President, Kate Isles, welcomed the release of the paper and consultation plan.

“PIA welcomes the release of Palaszczuk Government’s Better Planning for Queensland directions paper that includes a commitment to planning reform. Investing in strategy and policy generates better planning outcomes and that means a better Queensland now and into the future,” Ms Isles said.

“As Australia’s peak body representing the profession of urban and regional planners, we look forward to working with the Queensland Government on the development of the legislation.”

Ms Trad confirmed the Queensland Government will work closely with councils around the implementation of a reformed planning scheme and new legislation.

“We will help councils adopt the changes by providing support such as tools, training and guidance to adjust their planning schemes and development assessment frameworks to work effectively under the reformed planning system.”

The new planning legislation will be introduced into parliament later this year.

To view the Directions Paper, please visit www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planningdirections.

Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 0488 996 667