New planning reforms that will replace the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 are expected to save Councils and developers time and money.
Two new Bills are being drafted by the Queensland Government – the Planning and Development Bill and Planning and Environment Court Bill, to replace the current 2009 Act.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the two new Bills will improve planning processes for Councils and developers and help increase development in Queensland.
“Councils and developers have had to navigate this complicated, often contradictory, legislative framework when trying to prepare planning schemes or deliver developments,” explained Mr Seeney.
The reform aims to remove unnecessary red tape for Councils and developers, help make community planning easier for local governments and streamline the approval and assessment process.
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 replaced the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). The purpose of the new Act is to even better manage the development process with regards to ecological sustainability. It expands on the ways in which sustainability can be achieved, going beyond what was outlined in the IPA and SPA.
The proposed Planning and Development Act will benefit businesses by creating a more efficient and effective system for Queensland businesses and industries. This will include reforming the current assessment system in place for planning and development in Queensland.
There has already been very extensive consultation with the planning and environment communities on the reforms. Public consultation is also underway and submissions on the proposed bills will be open until 26 September 2014. Deputy Premier Seeney said it is hoped that the new reforms will be introduced later this year.
Talk to a lawyer about your development disputes, business dealings and commercial agreements for future projects to find out how the reform could affect you.
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