The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) () and Sustainable Planning Regulations 2009 () came into effect on 18 December 2009.

This Act is a result of extensive consultation and implements a number of the reform actions in Planning for a Prosperous Queensland - A reform agenda for planning and development in the Smart State ( 970 KB).

Transitioning from the Integrated Planning Act to the Sustainable Planning Act

The transitional provisions have been designed to minimise disruption and to ensure that all processes commenced under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA) can be completed under the IPA. All applications lodged prior to 18 December 2009 will be assessed using the IPA process. All applications lodged on or after 18 December will be assessed using the SPA process.

Local planning schemes made under IPA will remain in effect until they are updated. All new planning schemes or schemes amended to come into effect after 18 December 2009 will need to comply with SPA.

Read a short summary of the changes ( 98 KB).

A comprehensive guide, From IPA to SPA ( 500 KB), outlining what's changed and a summary of the Act, Your guide to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ( 728 KB), are also available.

Further information

Find out more about the upcoming transition to the Sustainable Planning Act.