EOI opens for new Queensland Urban Design Panel

Expressions of interest will soon be called for the newly created Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel to assist state and local governments deliver high-quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said good design can enhance quality of life and provide social and economic benefits.

“The establishment of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel is another important step in the journey of Better Planning for Queensland, and recognises that good design is a critical ingredient in a globally competitive society and locally inclusive communities.

“By promoting better design outcomes, we will be building on our already strong sense of place and attracting the interest of those who see this as an essential ingredient in their businesses or lifestyles.

“Queensland has more cities above 100,000 people than any other jurisdiction in Australia – and as we move towards a knowledge economy these urban centres will become increasingly central to productivity and economic growth and we need to ensure we can attract the best and brightest to Queensland to create jobs, to innovate and to invest.

“Along with the new planning legislation I introduced to Parliament last week, this is a further example of how this government is intent on delivering jobs and building economic and social capital through good planning and design, Ms Trad said.

In making the announcement at the 8^th International Urban Design Conference in Brisbane today, the Deputy Premier said the Panel would bring a renewed prominence to the consideration of design.

“It will be chaired by the Queensland Government Architect, Malcolm Middleton, and my department will soon be launching a nation-wide call for expressions of interest for membership of the panel.”

The Panel will have an advisory role, informing the Government about the design of major infrastructure and urban development projects across the State, and providing expert advice across such fields as urban design, planning, architecture, sustainability and sub-tropical design.

A number of councils, including the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane, have similar panels in place, and this one will be able to be used by local governments that would also like the capacity to bring about better design for their community.

“The Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel will build on the work of the former Board for Urban Places, which was ignored by the former government. I would like to thank the previous board members for their past contributions and invite them to nominate when we call for nation-wide expressions of interest in coming days,” Ms Trad said.

“I see the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel picking up where the board left off some years ago, but I will be asking it to take a more holistic approach and champion best practice place making to ensure we make the most of the opportunity to maximise community and economic benefits through superior design.”

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 0488 996 667

ENDS