MEDIA STATEMENT: Changes to planning framework to unlock more homes for Queenslanders

Changes to planning framework to unlock more homes for Queenslanders 

• New planning framework changes unlock church and charity owned land for the community housing sector
• Changes set to streamline Ministerial Infrastructure Designations
• State will support Local Government Association of Queensland’s members to draft a model code by mid-2025

The Queensland Government has amended the state’s planning framework to unlock church and charity-owned land for vital community housing, with changes now in effect.

The move will enable progress on the State Government’s commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes built on church and charity owned land in partnership with the community housing sector, with 500 homes built in the next two years.

The changes will provide greater efficiency with a new streamlined Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) assessment option assessed by the Planning Minister and will also allow for existing dwellings including caretaker cottages and presbyteries in a community facility zone to be repurposed.

The Crisafulli LNP Government is also supporting the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and its members to co-draft a model code that can be included in local government planning schemes.

Where local governments decide to adopt the model code, the State Government will ensure they can do so through a streamlined planning scheme amendment process, as per our election commitment.  

By clarifying not-for-profit and charitable organisations may access the MID assessment pathway for social and affordable housing proposals, these changes will unlock land while maintaining critical local government input and community consultation.

New guidance for MID proposals for social and affordable housing will reduce technical reporting, improve certainty for community housing proponents, and facilitate a new three-month streamlined assessment.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the changes follow on from the success of the recent Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce meeting.

“We promised we would drive opportunities to activate increased supply of housing options and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.

“Our 100 Day plan included key commitments to convene the Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce and unlock church and charity-owned land for the Community Housing Sector and both these commitments are delivered.

“We must set bold targets to support Queenslanders who are struggling to find somewhere to live.

“These changes to the planning framework are an important step towards achieving our targets, including building one million homes by 2044.

“The former Labor Government was responsible for the Queensland housing crisis.

“The Crisafulli LNP Government promised to introduce a comprehensive strategy to get more people into homes and Queenslanders overwhelming voted for that fresh start.

“The State Government will continue working closely with key industry, housing bodies and local governments to facilitate responsible growth and housing options right across the state, under a new collaborative planning partnership.”

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith welcomed the government’s partnership approach to co-draft a model code with councils.

“It’s important both State and local government work hand in glove to unlock housing opportunities for Queensland communities”, Ms Smith said.

“As equal partners, the State Government can utilise the unique local knowledge of councils in order to facilitate much needed housing supply.

“Importantly, this new approach will allow Queensland councils to chart their own course that is fit-for-purpose in their communities, through a streamlined planning scheme amendment process.”

The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Director of Government Relations, Cathy Uechtritz said the housing crisis has been a major issue in this State for some years.

“Unlocking faith-based land to provide social and affordable housing has been something we have been advocating for many years,” Ms Uechtritz said.

“We applaud the new Government’s speedy and proactive engagement on developing pathways to enable that.

  “The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane is ready to work with the Crisafulli Government to refine and implement these pathways to deliver meaningful contributions to Queensland’s housing crisis by unlocking underutilised land for much-needed affordable housing.” 

Q Shelter Acting CEO Jackson Hills said it’s encouraging to see the new Queensland Government acting so quickly on this policy during their first term in office.

“Q Shelter, along with YIMBY (Yes in My Back Yard) Qld, and other faith-based groups, has been working on proposals to activate faith-based land for social and affordable housing development for the past 18 months,” Mr Hills said.

“It's promising to be collaborating with our fellow peak and industry bodies, as well as state and local government, churches, and community housing providers to develop an implementation plan to achieve that goal.  

“The changes represent a positive start toward achieving the housing targets, with more work to follow to do support this effort. 

“Q Shelter looks forward to working with the Queensland Government and other partners to unlock this land for community housing developments that support Queenslanders in need of shelter and a safe place to call home.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816