Public consultation starts on major planning reforms
Job opportunities will be created and local government costs reduced under new planning reforms released for public consultation today.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Planning and Development Bill and Planning and Environment Court Bill were being drafted to drive development and simplify planning processes across Queensland, delivering a key election promise.
“Until now, development and planning in our state has been hamstrung by the cumbersome Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and its underlying statutory framework.
“Councils and developers have had to navigate this complicated often contradictory legislative framework when trying to prepare planning schemes or deliver developments.
“The Planning and Development Bill and Planning and Environment Court Bill are proposed to replace theSustainable Planning Act 2009 and will result in a simplified planning process for councils and developers, saving them time and money.
“The Can-Do LNP Government understands that reducing red-tape and encouraging development will result in job opportunities for Queenslanders.
“We promised at the election to deliver better planning and we are delivering.”
Mr Seeney said the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning had worked closely with the planning community over 12 months on these important legislative reforms.
“With a view to introducing the new legislation later this year, we invite all Queenslanders to have their say on this important legislation,” he said.
“We have already delivered significant achievements in the planning space with the introduction of the State Planning Policy and the award-winning State Assessment and Referral Agency.
“I am confident these new bills will make further ground towards our goal of having the best planning and development system in Australia.”
Public consultation on the Planning and Development Bill and Planning and Environment Court Bill runs from 1 August to 26 September 2014. To view the draft bills and provide feedback visit haveyoursay.dsdip.qld.gov.au
Source: News Release Infrastructure Minister Jeff Seeney, 01 August 2014
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/8/1/public-consultation-starts-on-major-planning-reforms