The Department of Local Government and Planning was established in February 2011 from the former Department of Infrastructure and Planning. The department is committed to integrated planning, strong local government and sustainable development for a growing state.

Managing change and balancing growth and development are complex. As the state's population grows, so too will demand for infrastructure, competition for land, the need for innovative responses to affordability and sustainability challenges, and for regionalisation. There will be social, environmental and economic impacts of growth across the state. Pressure will be particularly felt on the coastline, in emerging resource communities and in South East Queensland.

Through holistic, integrated land use planning the department is working to preserve the Queensland way of life and enhance the liveability of our state for future generations.

Strong, sustainable and resilient local governments are a key focus of the department along with community planning, asset management and financial management that will deliver improved capability. The department will ensure the state has strong local governments and lead and guide national debate on local government issues.

The department's priorities and responsibilities include: 

• equipping Queensland with a 21st century planning, building and development system
• working with local government across Queensland to build capacity
• effective, efficient and sustainable local governments through legislative reform
• coordinating integrated planning to support well managed sustainable growth
• planning and development that anticipates and supports growth.