24 November 2021
The Property Council has today welcomed the Queensland Government’s proposed planning reform measures as recognition of the important role an efficient planning system plays in delivering affordable land supply.
Once rolled out more broadly, these reforms will bring together land use and infrastructure planning in targeted growth areas – a much-needed, missing piece of the planning puzzle in Queensland, explained Jen Williams, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council.
“The pilot project in the Priority Growth Area of Caboolture West represents a structural shift in how planning will be undertaken in Queensland,” Ms Williams said.
“Rather than viewing each development on a case-by-case basis, this new approach to planning will ensure all stakeholders are part of the conversation upfront, with the hard decisions being made early on.
“These proposed amendments show the State Government is willing to step up and take a more active role in the early stages of the planning process, rather than relying on local governments and the property industry to do the heavy lifting.
“With housing affordability and rapid population growth front of mind for communities across Queensland, bold, decisive moves are needed to swiftly increase the amount of land readily available for development.
“The Caboolture West pilot plan will be implemented in early 2023, with the broader reforms set to benefit land supply in the medium-longer term.
“The issue of land supply is one being felt in the here and now, with several growth corridors across SEQ reporting less than the required four years of approved supply.
“Last year, house prices in Brisbane rose by 6% and Queensland welcomed over 30,000 interstate migrants. Our successful handling of the pandemic and excitement around the 2032 Games will see more people keen to move to Queensland, adding further demand to an already stressed housing system.
“Along with valuable planning reform, the Property Council urges Government to deliver a holistic plan to boost housing supply that utilises all levers at its disposal, such as increasing densities through local planning schemes; removing harmful foreign buyers’ taxes; incentivising the establishment of Build to Rent; and creating a Regional Infrastructure Fund to bring forward the delivery of new housing estates.
The Property Council welcomes the proposed Priority Growth Area Legislative Amendments as the start of new partnerships in the planning and delivery of housing in key growth areas. Done right and implemented at scale, these amendments could bring forward new greenfield land, and create certainty and consistency for all stakeholders.
