QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT WINS PLANNING AWARD

An innovative Queensland Government approach to social infrastructure planning has won a special Planning Institute of Australia award.

Department of Infrastructure and Planning guidelines won the Social and Community Planning category at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards held in Sydney overnight.

The guidelines were developed for the South East corner and will help deliver social infrastructure more efficiently and ensure community needs are met.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning said that these guidelines were the first attempt in Australia to provide guidelines for social infrastructure planning.

“Once again, Queensland has proven it is the Smart State,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Social infrastructure is an important planning area because it covers community facilities like hospitals schools and community centres.

“These are important facilities that need to be planned so community needs are met” Mr Hinchliffe said.

The rapidly-growing South East Queensland region is expected to be home to a million extra people by 2026. These non-statutory guidelines were designed to help government agencies, community groups and private developers to plan and deliver social infrastructure for our increasing population.

”The award recognises how important it is to build strong communities through infrastructure such as schools, art galleries, kindergartens and police stations.

“Infrastructure is more than roads, water and sewerage – we also have make sure social infrastructure and services are provided so communities can be strong and prosperous.

“This is about ensuring Queenslanders can continue to improve their quality of life, and further develop their skills.

“The guidelines apply to new communities and can also help existing communities to overhaul existing social infrastructure and address emerging needs” added Mr Hinchliffe.

For information on the guidelines visit www.dip.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Chelsea Toomey (07) 3227 8423