Have your say on better planning

Queenslanders are being urged to help shape their communities by having their say on the draft planning bills released today for public consultation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad, speaking at the Planning Institute of Australia’s state conference in Townsville, said the new legislation would create a system that was open, transparent, fair and easy to understand.

“The draft Bills support jobs and economic development through streamlined assessment processes, whilst ensuring ecological sustainability remains at the core of our planning system,” Ms Trad said.

“We are also delivering on our commitment to ensure the community and local government continues to play a key role in planning.

“Right from the start I’ve said we wanted Queenslanders to come along on our planning reform journey - to get excited about planning and understand how it affects their neighbourhoods and communities.”

Ms Trad said the focused state-wide engagement program, will include workshops, agency briefings, meet-a-planner sessions and community conversations around the state and will run until 23 October.

“The consultation starting today builds on the work my department has been doing around Queensland, talking with the community, local councils and industry, since the release of the planning directions paper in May and June’s Planning Summit," Ms Trad said.

“Our focus on accountability and transparency, removing unnecessary state intervention, and listening to the community is putting us on track to have the best planning and development assessment system in Australia.

“And this is important because having such a system positions us strongly to promote economic development, instil investor confidence and create jobs.

“Our Budget commitment of $59.4 million for planning reform shows just how serious we are about getting it right.

“Queenslanders can have their say in a variety of ways and I encourage people to view the website and attend local sessions to become involved."

To view the draft Planning Bill, Planning and Environment Court Bill andPlanning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill and provide feedback, and to join in the consultation activities, visit www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning-reform.

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