Return to pre-Fitzgerald

The following release from the Local Government Association signals a return to uncontrolled development.

Clive Palmer is already taking advantage of this with his plans for Mrs Palmer's Resort at Yaroomba.....

It may be time to take to the streets.

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News Release (LGAQ)

Thursday, 26 July 2012

Newman Government reversal puts communities back in the development box seat

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) says the reversal of a so-called red tape reduction move by the previous Queensland Government is a victory for communities and their ability to influence development decisions.

Under the Newman Government, the Sustainable Planning Amendment Regulation (No.2) 2012 - regarding the exemption of development for existing schools and public hospitals - has been disallowed by resolution of the Legislative Assembly.

LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam, say the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 was amended by the former State Government in February this year, to prescribe that all aspects of development (subject to meeting minor amenity criteria) for existing public hospitals, state, and non-state schools be exempt from local planning instruments.

“This was rushed through without consultation before the Bligh Government went into caretaker mode,” said Mr Hallam. “The change risked opening the floodgates to unregulated development – which could have cost ratepayers millions of dollars to fix.”

“The move by the Newman Government to reverse this decision means that councils and their communities won’t be left picking up the pieces, in regard to the impact of inappropriate development on surrounding residences and businesses.”

The LGAQ sought legal advice on the impacts of the amendment on local government and has lobbied the Newman Government to reverse the decision.

“The LGAQ congratulates the Newman Government for its timely response in disallowing this perilous regulation,” said Mr Hallam.

Local Government Association of Queensland
LGAQ House, 25 Evelyn Street, Newstead Qld 4006

Surat Basin Future Direction Statement

Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies

The Honourable Tim Mulherin

20/07/2011

Surat Basin Future Direction Statement delivers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said practical priorities for the future of the Surat region have been delivered with the release of the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement Final Report.

Mr Mulherin said a year on from the release of the Surat Basin Future Direction Statement we have delivered a series of initiatives that address the challenges and opportunities stemming from the new multibillion dollar energy industry.

"The Surat Basin is currently experiencing growth unlike any other region of Queensland, largely due to the expanding energy and resource sector," Mr Mulherin said.

"These initiatives will ensure we manage this growth to ensure this boom region continues to be a place where people want to live, work and raise a family.

"We have delivered a series of headline initiatives that address the challenges and opportunities stemming from the new multibillion dollar energy industry" he said.

"From the beginning we have been determined to learn from our experiences in the Bowen Basin and improve our approaches to the pressures of fast growing communities.

"We did this by ensuring all stakeholders have a say in the Surat Basin's future direction and have planned for the challenges together.

"We are conscience government needs to maintain a balance between future economic benefits and protection of the environment, quality of life and landholder rights," he said.

This collaborative approach between community, industry and Government has resulted in clear strategies to address the critical needs of the Surat Basin region including:
- planning and settlement patterns
- economic development
- skilled labour and workforce development
- housing availability
- transport
- strategic cropping land
- land access and coal seam gas water management
- social impact management plans

Mr Mulherin said these practical strategies provide an effective framework to guide the Government and our regional partners in responding to the needs of the region.

"The strength of this achievement is in the collaboration and effective community consultation undertaken on planning the future of the Surat Basin region," Mr Mulherin said.

"In the last year there has been extensive progress in development of these strategies through this collaborative process, resulting in a direction which is truly representative of the Surat region.

"I am particularly appreciative of the input and advice offered from the local mayors: Cr Ray Brown of the Western Downs Regional Council, Cr Robert Loughnan of Maranoa Regional Council, Cr John Hooper of Banana Shire Council and Cr Peter Taylor from the Toowoomba Regional Council," he said.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor and Chair of the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement Steering Committee, Ray Brown, echoed Minister Mulherin's sentiments.

"The Surat Basin Future Direction Statement Steering Committee includes members from local government, industry, agriculture, major employers, unions and the Commonwealth Government," Mr Brown said.

"It has been an effective guiding force in a process that has created a genuine consultative approach in the delivery of the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement."

The Surat Basin Future Directions Statement covers the local government areas of Toowoomba, Western Downs and Maranoa, with strong linkages through Banana to Gladstone.

For more information on the Surat Basin Future Directions Statement visit www.regions.qld.gov.au

Media: 32396530