News
30 December, 2024
Changes to planning framework to unlock more homes for Queenslanders
The Queensland Government has introduced significant changes to the state’s planning framework aimed at unlocking church and charity-owned land for community housing development.
These amendments are designed to help meet the state’s target of delivering 10,000 new homes, with 500 homes set to be built in the next two years.
The changes will streamline the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) assessment process, which will now be handled by the Planning Minister. This will allow not-for-profit and charitable organisations easier access to land for social and affordable housing projects. Additionally, existing dwellings such as caretaker cottages and presbyteries within community facility zones can be repurposed for housing.
As part of the changes, the Queensland Government is also partnering with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to help local councils draft a model code for integrating social and affordable housing proposals into their planning schemes. Local governments can adopt the model code through a simplified amendment process, ensuring that community input and local government participation are maintained.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the changes align with the government’s commitment to address the state’s housing crisis and achieve the target of building one million homes by 2044.
“We promised to unlock church and charity-owned land for community housing, and these changes are the next step toward increasing housing supply for Queenslanders,” Minister Bleijie said.
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith welcomed the initiative, noting that the partnership between state and local governments will help unlock housing opportunities tailored to local needs.
Faith-based organisations, such as the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, also expressed support for the changes. The Archdiocese’s Director of Government Relations, Cathy Uechtritz, said unlocking faith-based land for affordable housing has long been an advocacy goal.
Q Shelter Acting CEO Jackson Hills praised the government’s proactive approach, noting that collaboration with churches, community housing providers, and local government will be crucial to achieving the state’s housing goals.
