Regional Planning

Regional Plans operate in conjunction with other statutory planning tools, including state planning policies, local government planning schemes, state planning regulatory provisions and development assessment processes.

Statutory regional plans generally take precedence over most planning instruments, however where required, state planning regulatory provisions can override the regional plan. Non-statutory plans provide strategic advice and direction; however they do not prevail over other planning instruments.

For further information about existing regional plans and regional plan maps, visit the Department of Local Government and Planning website.

State Planning Policies (SPP)

State Planning Policies (SPP) are planning instruments that the planning Minister (or any Minister in conjunction with the planning Minister) can make to protect things that are of interest to the state.  The documents generally have a life span of 10 years if they are not reviewed.

The current SPPs can be viewed on the Department of Local Government and Planning website.

Please sign-in or register to the Association’s Member website LG Online to receive news and circular alerts about proposed new SPPs and SPP reviews identifying when and how you can have your say, or provide LGAQ with comments to assist us in advocating on your behalf!

Next Generation Planning (NGP)

In 2008, a collaborative proposal from the Council of Mayors (SEQ), the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) was submitted to the Housing Affordability Programme for funding.

The proposal outlined three key projects aimed at addressing the tools, processes and policies relating to housing affordability in Queensland.  One of these projects was Next Generation Planning (NGP), which aims to develop standardised housing related development policies and codes across South-East Queensland councils to establish a more consistent approach to the delivery of housing affordability policies within the region.  To read more about NGP, please view the Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet.

Target 5-Days (T5)

In 2008, a collaborative proposal from the Council of Mayors (SEQ), the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP), now DLGP, was submitted to the Housing Affordability Programme for funding.

The proposal outlined three key projects aimed at addressing the tools, processes and policies relating to housing affordability in Queensland.  One of these projects was Target 5-Days (T5), which aims to include implementation of a 5-day assessment period for low risk complying residential development applications.  To read more about T5, please view the Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet.

Development Assessment Process Reform - Operational Works and Larger Subdivisions (OWLS) is a proposed extension of the T5 project.  In particular it will establish an evidence-based review of the current state of processes and procedures for the delivery of large subdivisions and operational works applications within each participating Council area and an improvement plan that will seek to reduce complexity provide greater certainty and reduce the overall holding costs of development in Queensland.

Smart eDA

Smart eDA is an online development applications lodgement system.  It assists an applicant to: 

• Prepare state requirements for Development Assessment (i.e. Site selection, identify land triggers and complete the IDAS forms through guided interviews (supported by intuitive help);
• Electronically lodge a development application direct to the assessment manager
• Pay your fees electronically;
• Track the progress of an application through IDAS; and
• Maintain efficient online communication between all parties.

The current version of the Smart eDA service supports preparation of development applications with electronic lodgement to a growing number of councils (as assessment managers).  The councils currently accepting electronic lodgement are listed on the Smart eDA website.  Electronic lodgement to referral agencies responsible for particular regions in Queensland is synchronised as new councils are registered to provide Smart eDA.

For further information please view the Smart eDA User Guide or visit the Department of Local Government and Planning website.

Green Door

Green Door is a 2009 government election commitment and an initiative under the Queensland Government’s strategy to address climate change, ClimateQ.  By promoting sustainable development, Green Door is expected to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment.   Green Door projects will be ‘fast tracked’ through the development assessment process by using the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) more efficiently and working collaboratively with the development industry, local governments and referral agencies with a case manager to identify the most sustainable development solutions.  To find out more please read the Green Door Information Paper and visit the Department of Local Government and Planning website.

Development Assessment Monitoring and Performance Program (DAMPP)

Development Assessment Monitoring and Performance Program (DAMPP) is an annual report which uses statutory timeframes for processing development applications to monitor councils, state government departments and applicants performance.  This reporting process is an opportunity for state and local government to work together indentifying ways to reduce approval timeframes, reducing costs to developers and contributing to housing affordability.  Please visit the Department of Local Government and Planning website for further information, a fact sheet and a copy of the Report.

Growth Management

Growth Management is a set of techniques used by government to ensure that as the population grows there are services available to meet the population’s needs. These are not necessarily only government services. Other needs such as the protection of natural spaces, sufficient and affordable housing, delivery of utilities, and the preservation of buildings and places of historical value are also considered.