The review process, which began in February 2006 is focussed on improving IPA and the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) to keep pace with the significant challenges presented by economic growth, population increases and the pressure on development within the State.

Key reform initiatives identified in the Report include:-

• Introducing improved tools for  State and local government to manage planning and development proactively.
• Streamlining and simplifying DAS.
• Reducing complexity through greater standardisation of planning instruments and processes.
• Adopting a risk-based approach to development assessment.
• Streamlining the dispute resolution processes in IPA.
• Making infrastructure planning more transparent and equitable.
• Encouraging active community participation in the planning and development assessment system.

On the strength of the South East Queensland Regional Plan, the Government intends that statutory regional plans will become the pre-eminent planning instrument to manage planning and development across Queensland.  A Far North Queensland Plan is currently under development.

The 'centrepiece' of the IPA reforms will be the introduction of standardised council planning schemes, which will involve standardisation of scheme structure, land use and other definitions, zones from which Councils may choose, levels of assessment and development assessment codes and Standard infrastructure planning provisions.

The Government envisages that the standardisation of planning schemes will deliver many benefits- principally consistency and certainty- without reducing the flexibility for individual Councils to adapt schemes for their local areas.

The reform agenda also dovetails with the Government's Housing Affordability Strategy. More efficient development assessment processes, transparent and equitable infrastructure charging and greater access to dispute resolution are all initiatives of the reform which the Government maintains will aid improving Queensland's deepening housing affordability crisis.

The next stage of the reform process will run from August 2007 until mid 2008, and will involve drafting and consultation on the new planning legislation.  The new planning legislation is scheduled to be operational by late 2008.

A full copy of the Reform Agenda Report can by found at www.ipa.gov.au.

For more information contact any of MacDonnells Planning and Environment Lawyers.

Linda Morris - (07) 3031 9719

Moya Steele - (07) 4722 0224

Andrew Kerr - (07) 4030 0564

Danyelle Roach - (07) 3031 9718

Tanya Knauer - (07) 4030 0617

Edith Frankling - (07) 4030 0672

Planning and Environment Solutions is a newsletter intended only to provide general information about current legal issues and does not constitute, nor should it be used or treated as, professional or legal advice.  Readers should make their own enquiries or seek legal advice before making any decisions concerning their own interests.