Top Tips

• Planning and development legislation such as the following, along with all other legislation in force can be found on the Queensland Government Office of Parliamentary Council website.
  • Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA)
  • Queensland Development Code (QDC)
  • Queensland Planning Provisions (QPP)
  • Building Act 1975
  • Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002

• For additional expert commentary you can sign-in or register to the Association’s Member website LG Online and check out LGAQs Legislation Explained.

Queensland

• Council of Mayors of South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) is a regional organisation of councils, or ROC in South East Queensland.  CoMSEQ, like LGAQ, advocates for local government on State and Federal policy and legislation.  The organisation has also developed a number of resources and tools such as the Next Generation Planning handbook that contains model codes compliant with Queensland Government planning policies.  They are designed for incorporation into planning schemes using a flexible, modular format that can be tailored to suit individual councils needs.
• Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) works with local and state government, community, local landholders and development industry representatives to help deliver commercially viable developments that include diverse, affordable, sustainable housing, using best-practice urban design.

National

• Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the peak body representing professions involved in planning Australia's cities, towns, regions and places. 
• Housing Industry Association (HIA) is the national industry association for all building professionals, representing the interests of the whole housing industry – from trade contractors, builders and suppliers to product manufacturers. 
• Property Council of Australia (PCA) is the leading advocate for Australia’s $600 billion property industry. It counts the bulk of the nation’s major investors, property owners and developers – as well as the industry’s professional service and trade providers – amongst its members.
• The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) is Australia’s peak representative body for all segments of the urban development industry.  UDIA is a federation of five state associations that aim to promote the urban development industry in achieving sustainable urban development.
   

Federal

• Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has four main areas of focus including, transforming the structure of telecommunications, switchover to digital television and enhancing the broadcasting sector, realising the digital economy, and enabling a good consumer experience.  Development of the National Broadband Network is regulated through this agency.
• The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians.  The Federal government does not often get involved in planning and development related matters, however in May released the Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments report.
• The Department of Infrastructure and Transport contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by assisting the Government to promote, evaluate, plan and invest in infrastructure and by fostering an efficient, sustainable, competitive, safe and secure transport system.
• The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians.  The Federal government does not often get involved in planning and development related matters, however in May released the Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments report.

Queensland

• Department of Local Government and Planning (DLGP) works closely with local governments and leads a coordinated Queensland Government approach to planning, infrastructure and development across the state.
  • Growth Management Queensland has been established in DLGP.  Growth Management Queensland brings together growth program coordination, the planning policy, planning services, building and development, transit orientated development and infrastructure program management functions of the department.
  • Building Codes Queensland (BCQ) is established in DLGP. They have the lead responsibility for the Towards Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland green targets, the Queensland Development Code (QDC) as well as delivering programs that promote pool and fire safety, and plumbing and building best practice.
  • Plumbing Industry Council (PIC)
    Telephone: +61 7 3235 4149 or free call 1800 682 021
    Email: plumbers@dip.qld.gov.au 
    Postal address: PO Box 15027 City East, Queensland 4002
• Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Specifically related to planning and development, DERM is responsible for assessment of Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) applications and is a referral agency for development involving environmental constraints.  Additionally, they are responsible for policies such as the Coastal Management Plan, the draft State Planning Policy related to Strategic Cropping Land, and the State Planning Regulatory Provision for Existing Waste Transfer Facilities.  The land titles office is also within DERM.
• The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) has a variety of obligations related to planning and development.  Often a referral agency for development on or near a State controlled road or public transportation networks.  In recognising the importance of walking to improve the future of the transport system, DTMR has developed Easy Steps.  It is a package developed to assist local governments in promoting walking rather than other forms of transportation.