LNP’s recycled policy proves they have no vision for planning in Queensland

Shadow planning spokesperson Tim Nicholls today recycled the LNP’s failed planning bills that would limit community consultation and override local governments.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the LNP had learned nothing from the 2015 election, and should instead support Labor’s Better Planning for Queensland reform plan.

“The LNP’s stunt in parliament today to reintroduce three Campbell Newman bills that have been widely criticised by the community confirms how out of touch they are,” Ms Trad said.

“Since becoming Minister for Planning, I have met with key stakeholders about the current planning framework and I understand what changes need to be made to balance the interest of residents and industry.

“Labor believes that planning reform can deliver a more efficient system that supports investment and jobs, but don’t believe this must come at the expense of community participation or the role of local government.

“The LNP’s bills would make is harder for residents to have their say about planning and make it more prohibitive to appeal decisions without being stung by significant costs.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering on our promise to Queensland that we would listen to councils, community and the development industry to ensure the new state planning and assessment laws were sensible, well-structured and easy to follow.

“For the LNP ‘momentum’ means steamrolling over communities and their right to a say.  

“We’ve committed to Better Planning for Queensland and are delivering on this promise with a new bill to be introduced into parliament in October. We’re listening and the LNP could learn from this instead of peddling old legislation that won’t serve the interest of all Queenslanders.

“We’re consulting across the state and we are bringing together community, industry and council to help formulate a new Planning Act that can respond to the challenges of urban growth and is fair, open, transparent and easy to understand.

“The LNP can’t dress up their old policy and tack on the word transparency to distract from the truth that they don’t recognise or value the rights of local residents when it comes to planning.

“Queenslanders won’t be duped by this attempt to pull the wool over their eyes and industry deserves certainty.”

The Deputy Premier said the LNP’s arrogant attempt to fool Queenslanders ignores the reality that the industry has already made it clear that they support our commitment to Better Planning reform.

“The Property Council of Australia and Planning Institute of Australia have both endorsed Better Planning for Queensland as providing much-needed certainty for the industry,” Ms Trad said.

Media Contact:  Deputy Premier’s Office:  0488 996 667 or 0475 950 772