New protections for Ipswich residents regarding waste facilities

The Palaszczuk Government has acted to further regulate development applications in Ipswich for new or expanded waste facilities in the Swanbank and New Chum industrial area.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick has issued a notice to Ipswich City Council advising of the intention to make a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to suspend part of their Planning Scheme.

“Council has the ability under the Planning Act to amend its planning scheme or to make a temporary local planning instrument, also known as a TLPI, to introduce new regulatory requirements for new development,” he said.

“The Planning Minister also has the power to introduce a TLPI.

“By making a Ministerial TLPI under the Planning Act, protections for the surrounding residents can be introduced urgently.

“Accordingly, under section 27(2) of the Planning Act, I have provided notice to the council that I intend to make a TLPI.”

This is the first time that these reserve powers have ever been used by a Queensland Planning Minister, Mr Dick said.

“Council have been working with my department as they consider potential changes to their planning scheme to address this issue, and I believe that this TLPI is consistent with their intentions,” he said.

“I also expect that council will give consideration to the TLPI when considering current development applications.”

Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said council officers were working vigorously with the Minister’s department to suggest ways to lessen the impact waste facilities have on people in neighbouring areas.

“I personally spoke with the Minister during a recent visit to Ipswich, and I am very pleased that he has listened to what I had to say on behalf of our residents,” Mayor Antoniolli said.

“I stressed upon him the urgency of these matters and the prospect of future applications, and I am thankful for his involvement and swift action.

“We now have 48 hours to respond. In that time, we must determine the full impact of these changes, and ensure they are in the best interest of the people of Ipswich.”

Minister Dick said the TLPI will suspend elements of the planning scheme and establishes new assessment criteria for new or expanded waste facilities.

“The TLPI introduces a new buffer of 750m from existing, approved or planned residential areas where landfill activities will not be supported,” he said.

“The TLPI does not support new or expansions to existing compost manufacturing that is open to the air, anywhere in the Swanbank/New Chum industrial area.

“I have provided the council a draft copy of the proposed TLPI and requested comments to be provided to me by Thursday, 4 April 2018.

“After receiving and considering the council’s comments, I will decide whether to proceed with making the TLPI and in what form it will take. I expect to make my final decision on Friday this week.

“Should I decide to make the TLPI, it will have effect for a period of up to two years unless repealed earlier.

“During this period, my Department will work with council to assist them to progress any amendments to its planning scheme to address the concerns of the community.

“Importantly, this process will include community consultation.”

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039