Development Assessment Process Reform – Operational Works and Large Subdivisions

To streamline assessment processes, the Development Assessment Process Reform – Operational Works and Large Subdivisions project will achieve an average 25% reduction in assessment timeframes for large subdivisions and the majority of operational works applications.

The project is an initiative of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Local Government Association of Queensland, and is funded by the department.

Sustainable Planning Act (SPA)

The following came into effect on Friday 18 December 2009, replacing the Integrated Planning Act:

• Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ( 2.6 MB) and
• Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 ( 923 KB)

To understand the differences between the Integrated Planning Act (IPA) and the Sustainable Planning Act (SPA), read:

• From IPA to SPA ( 500 KB), a comprehensive guide to what has changed with Queensland's planning laws
• Your guide to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ( 728 KB).

The act:

• shifts the focus from planning process to delivering sustainable outcomes
• reduces complexity through standardisation
• adopts a risk management approach to development assessment
• introduces a broader range of opportunities for people to reach agreement and resolve disputes
• provides improved opportunities for the community to understand and participate in the planning system.

These changes will assist in delivering a contemporary planning, development and building system that can provide sustainable development outcomes for all Queenslanders.

Focus on sustainable outcomes

SPA changes the focus from planning processes to the delivery of sustainable outcomes. These outcomes will be delivered by:

• improved tools for state and local government to manage planning and development proactively
• reduced complexity through greater standardisation
• adopting a risk-management approach to development assessment
• streamlined dispute resolution processes
• encouraging active community participation in the planning and development assessment system.

Planning instruments

Planning instruments made under the IPA continue to have effect as though they were made under SPA.

An innovation in SPA is the creation of the Queensland Planning Provisions, a standard approach to planning schemes to improve community engagement and understanding of planning.

Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) forms and Smart eDA

SPA maintains the benefits of an integrated development assessment system and enables the use of electronic planning tools such as Smart eDA (electronic Development Assessment).

• For applications lodged prior to 18 December 2009, the IPA IDAS forms will need to be used throughout the process.
• For applications lodged on or after 18 December 2009, the SPA IDAS forms will need to be used.

Further information

Contact the department for further information on planning.