Have your say on reducing planning red tape for COVID economic recovery

The Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing rollout of its economic recovery plan, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, will be boosted by more planning red tape reduction measures.

Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the COVID planning red tape reduction strategy will help businesses trade more quickly and will propel job-creation.

“The changes we’re proposing in response to the ongoing COVID pandemic are designed to ease the economic burden for businesses across our state,” Mr Dick said.

"The global coronavirus pandemic has impacted economies around the world and Queensland is no different.

"Because we're managing the health repsonse we've started delivering Queensland's plan for economic recovery, and part of that is supporting local businesses and local jobs.

“These red tape reduction measures are about protecting and creating jobs during this recovery period, and making sure communities in every corner of Queensland have the critical supplies they need in times of crisis.

“Globally we’re seeing the worst business conditions since the Great Depression. Our government’s job is to reduce the impact of these conditions on Queensland businesses, and that’s driven by our plan for economic recovery," he said.

“The planning law changes we’ve made over the past four months have led the nation, and as we continue delivering our Unite and Recover COVID economic plan we’ll keep looking for ways to make it easier for Queensland businesses to employ and thrive.”

The proposed changes will benefit businesses, industry and communities by simplifying or removing a number of current planning approvals, including:

• If a business tenancy changes within an existing building, such as a hairdresser replacing a café in a local town centre
• Where a business is starting up or relocating to a location where the use is well suited and expected in that particular zone
• Making minor expansions to allow businesses to accommodate social distancing requirements
• Providing flexibility for home businesses in residential areas and farm stays in rural areas
• For temporary events such as school fetes or farmers markets

The amendments would also see approvals for critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools streamlined by allowing for environmental assessment and public consultation to occur simultaneously.

Additionally, timeframes for undertaking approved development have recently been extended, providing greater flexibility and certainty for the building and construction industries.

“These small but significant changes to Queensland’s planning processes will shape our economic recovery for the better,” Mr Dick said.

“I urge local government, industry and the community to provide feedback on the amendments proposed.”

The consultation period will run until Friday 7 August.

Have your say on the Queensland Government’s proposed planning red tape reduction measures: qld.gov.au/planningsupportmeasures

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561