The Palaszczuk Government has made changes to fast-track planning approvals for community, social and affordable housing.
Eligible community housing providers will now be able to request an Infrastructure Designation, to streamline development approvals.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles said the changes would help address urgent housing challenges.
“Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head, and if we’re going to maintain our great Queensland lifestyle, we need to increase the supply of homes,” Mr Miles said.
“Community housing providers do a great job supporting many Queenslanders who are doing it rough.
“It just makes sense for these providers to use the same approvals process as public housing when building new community housing projects.
“Currently, new public housing developed by the State can follow an Infrastructure Designation process which streamlines development approvals.
“We will change the planning rules to allow social or affordable housing projects by community housing providers, that meet the criteria, to also be eligible for an Infrastructure Designation.
“This change will see faster development of social and affordable housing projects right across the state.”
Community housing provider, Common Ground Queensland, provides supportive housing property and tenancy management services for people who have experienced rough sleeping and chronic homelessness.
Common Ground Chief Executive Officer, Sue Pope, welcomed today’s announcement by the Palaszczuk Government and said these improvements will make a huge difference.
“This will mean community housing providers will be able to deliver more affordable housing for those in greatest need in a faster and more cost-effective way,” she said.
“It is great to see that the Palaszczuk Government is listening to organisations that are on the frontline supporting people in housing need and making real changes that will boost housing supply.”
The Deputy Premier praised Common Ground and the community housing sector for helping to increase available housing.
“To tackle the housing challenges being faced right across Australia, we need to work with all stakeholders, local government and industry to address supply,” he said.
“Community housing providers like Common Ground help house and support so many Queenslanders every day.
“Now they will be able to get developments off the ground quicker.”
Infrastructure designations provide an alternative assessment pathway to a development application with local government.
Infrastructure designations provide a considered, whole of government response, to facilitate the efficient provision of community infrastructure.
Appropriate environmental assessment and consultation is still required. This includes broad community consultation and targeted consultation with local government regarding any infrastructure requirements.
Other community infrastructure eligible to request a designation includes schools, hospitals, emergency services facilities or sporting facilities.
The amendment to the planning framework comes into effect today.
