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

• A great publication Synopsis of the Queensland Environmental Legal System has been written by Dr Chris McGrath.  It has been developed for those wishing a better understanding of the Sustainable Planning Act and other environmental legislation that do not have a legal background.

• 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

• Building Services Authority (BSA) is a statutory authority to regulate the building industry.   They have the responsibility for licensing of contractors, education of consumers and contractors about their legal rights and responsibilities, handling disputes, protecting consumers, including local government against loss through statutory insurance, implementing and enforcing legislative reforms, and where necessary prosecuting persons not complying with the law.
• 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.
• Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater) is the central advisory and advocacy body within Queensland’s urban water industry and aims to strengthen the urban water industry to maintain and improve the safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability of Queensland’s communities.
• 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.

• Institute of Public Works Engineers of Australia – Queensland Division (IPWEAQ) represents persons involved in and managing, maintaining and operating local government and public works infrastructure and services.  IPWEAQ as developed the Complete Streets resource and Queensland Urban Drainage Manual.

National

• Australia Institute of Building (AIB) is a professional membership organisation representing the interests of professionally qualified and skilled individuals working in the Building and Construction Industry.
• Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) key activities include representation of local government on national bodies and ministerial councils, providing submissions to government and parliamentary inquiries, and raising the profile and concerns of local government at the national level.  There are a number of great publications for local government on their website.
• Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is responsible for the creation of the Green Star Rating Tools.  The Green Star Rating Tools are available help the property industry to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, improve occupant health and productivity and achieve real cost savings, while showcasing innovation in sustainable building practices.  It is a good resource for local government planners and builders to be aware of when assessing development.
• Institute of Plumbing Australia (IPA) seeks to protect and advance the status of all those engaged in, or connected with, plumbing.  They also provide a forum for those needing technical information and assistance.
• Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the peak body representing professions involved in planning Australia's cities, towns, regions and places. 

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.

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.
• Queensland Health seems to be an unlikely link for planning and development matters, however there is evidence to support the connection between healthy lifestyles and sound community planning.  Active, Healthy Communities is a set of tools designed specifically for local government by Queensland Health to assist in creating and planning for environments that support active and healthy lifestyles amongst residents and visitors.
• Department of Public Works is the building and construction arm of the State government and are also responsible for the National Broadband Network in this sphere of government.  Local government should be aware that community housing is developed and project managed by this agency.