$1.95 million planning boost for innovative Queensland councils

Local councils with ideas to improve their planning systems will share in $1.95 million funding through the second round of the State Government’s Innovation and Improvement Fund.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the fund was contributing to better local planning systems for all Queenslanders.

“Planning shapes the way we live, work and play and the funding is helping councils streamline and greatly improve their planning schemes, business systems and practices,” Mr Dick said.

“This provides the community with improved access to planning and development information relevant to them.

“It also helps people better understand local town planning and development issues.

“We’re urging councils, and especially regional councils, to go online to check the pre-application information for round two funding.

“This is about councils embracing the challenge to look at how they are operating and develop innovative ways to improve their planning systems and practices.

“The $4.5 million fund was developed last year to support councils transition to Queensland’s new planning system.

“It was a fantastic success with funding of $2.55 million approved for 33 projects, benefiting 40 councils across the state for a variety of innovative planning ideas.

“Projects from the first round included Mackay Regional Council creating a mobile app to bring real-time planning data to the person on the street.

“Residents will be able to use the app to quickly and easily look up and understand how the planning scheme applies to their property, street, and community.

“The Sunshine Coast Council is developing a new online application that will make it easy for the public to visualise development assessment activities online, and be alerted to development applications.

“There’s also the opportunity for councils to partner on projects, a partnership between 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Council’s is improving planning processes and material, which will improve planning outcomes for their communities.

“Innovative and improved planning helps build better communities which in turn boosts the economy and creates jobs.”

LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said the co-operation between the State and local governments is improving planning outcomes for Queensland communities.

 “This fund gives councils the ability to get great planning ideas off the ground and into practice that align with the state’s planning focus,” Mr Hallam said.

Richard Moore, Queensland Manager of the Planning Institute of Australia recognised the success of the first round and urged Planning Institute of Australia members in Queensland local governments to put forward fresh ideas.

“This is a genuine opportunity to work with councils and launch innovative projects. We encourage members to take advantage of this fantastic initiative already demonstrating impressive results,” Mr Moore said.

Mr Dick said the pre-application stage is open now until 1 June 2018 with the formal offer round open from 4 June 2018 to 27 July 2018.

“It’s important we work together to improve planning outcomes for our communities through innovations. I encourage councils interested in creating innovative and improved planning policy and practices to apply,” Mr Dick said.

For more information visit http://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/planning/our-planning-system/supporting-innovation-and-improvement

ENDS

Media enquiries: Cath Palmer 0424 823 424