Palaszczuk Government strengthens heritage protections

State heritage places will now be better protected under new planning provisions coming into force next week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the amendments to the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) and Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SPR) introduced a “trigger” that would subject any proposed development next to heritage places to additional scrutiny.

“The new trigger will ensure the cultural significance of state heritage places is not destroyed or substantially reduced by adjoining development,” Ms Trad said.

“It will subject development applications on properties adjoining heritage places to the same level of scrutiny as the heritage place itself, ensuring a better outcome for the community.

“While the new trigger is not retrospective, if it was in place at the time, it would have ensured the proper scrutiny of the development adjacent to iconic heritage places like Customs House.

“We know how important protecting our heritage is and this common-sense approach will protect some of Queensland’s most important heritage places.”

Under an amendment to the SPR, certain development applications adjoining a state heritage place will now trigger automatic assessment by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. 

Ms Trad said the Palaszczuk Government is also currently reviewing how state interests are promoted in plan making and development assessment. 

“The review will ensure that the Palaszczuk Government’s interests in planning are clearly, accurately and appropriately expressed,” she said.

“For example, world class coastal planning laws will be reinstated to ensure that our coastal environment, including the Great Barrier Reef, is not adversely affected by development along our coastline. 

“State and local governments will need to consider climate change in planning and development decisions across the state and new policies are introduced on how diverse and affordable housing options can be facilitated.

“As part of this review, the community and industry is able to have their say on any of the three the draft documents by visiting a meet the planner session or making a submission online.

“The revised documents will come into effect in line with Queensland’s new planning legislation, the Planning Act 2016, on 3 July 2017.”

For more information about the amended version of SDAP visit http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning/development-assessment/state-development-assessment-provisions.html.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942