NEW STATE PLANNING POLICY FOR HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

A new State Planning Policy for Housing and Residential Development has been put in place, with the aim of promoting increased housing options and long-term housing affordability in the private market throughout Queensland.

Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said the policy would help local governments plan for a range of housing options to meet population needs.

“The policy sets out the State's interests concerning residential development by encouraging a range of housing options,” he said.

“Housing affordability is an increasingly important issue in Queensland, due to population growth, decreasing household size, and an ageing population.

“One of the keys to this issue is ensuring local government planning schemes enable appropriate housing to be made available.”

Acting Minister for Local Government, Planning and Sport Judy Spence said the policy was designed to encourage local government planning schemes which foster opportunities for a wider range of housing options.

“When undertaking reviews or making new planning schemes, councils will be required to identify expected local housing needs, identify barriers and opportunities for needs-based housing options, and develop planning schemes that provide for these housing options,” she said.

Housing options include variations in housing size, including lot size, and variations in housing type, density, cost, adaptability to the needs of people with a disability, and accessibility to well-serviced locations.

“Although only larger, higher growth local governments need to comply with the policy, the Queensland Government is committed to supporting smaller local governments that wish to adopt the policy,” Minister Spence said.

The Department of Housing will support local governments in the preparation of new or major revisions to planning schemes by providing detailed demographic information, advice and support.

The Queensland Government adopted the new policy and accompanying guideline following a comprehensive consultation program carried out last year, involving a series of state-wide public workshops.

The policy guideline will help local governments implement the policy.

To obtain a copy of the State Planning Policy and guideline, visit www.housing.qld.gov.au or www.ipa.qld.gov.au, or contact the Department of Housing on 3222 2798.

Media contact: David Shankey (07) 3237 1832