Planning Under Pressure: Delivering Housing for Queensland’s Future

Willowtree Associate Chelsea Evans recently attended the Queensland Environmental Law Association (QELA) Planning Under Pressure: Delivering Housing for Queensland’s Future event, which brought together a diverse panel of speakers from State and Local Government and Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to discuss how planning can adapt to meet Queensland’s growing housing needs. Chelsea has shared some of the key takeaways below.

Key Insights

State Government

• Regional plan reviews are underway, with South East Queensland among the first. All regional plans are committed for review during this term of government and are being co-drafted with relevant councils
• The State Planning Policy (SPP) is being reviewed alongside the regional plans to ensure state interests are effectively reflected.
• A review of referral triggers is underway, with 136 triggers currently under consideration for removal, modification, or transition to local government assessment
• A potential review of land use definitions (e.g., build-to-rent, community residence) may also be on the horizon.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)

• Public consultation is now open for the Woolloongabba and Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Areas (PDAs).

• EDQ is focused on reducing red tape and partnering with industry to deliver better outcomes, driving recent and proposed changes.

• While the current focus is on existing PDAs (including opportunities for early land release), additional PDAs may be considered in the future.

Logan City Council

• The draft planning scheme is expected to be released for consultation in September.

• It introduces opportunities for terrace homes – freehold lots without body corporate – to be accepted development (subject to requirements) in Low-Density Residential (LDR) zones, supported by design parameters to ensure quality outcomes.

• Council is also exploring potential infrastructure charges incentives or discounts to encourage uptake.

A Call for Agility in Planning

It was recognised that “we need planners who have a keen understanding of risk, adaptability and agility so that we can develop a planning system that delivers good outcomes efficiently and effectively.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the evening, as the panel emphasised the importance of collaboration across all levels of government and industry to respond to the pressing housing challenges Queensland faces.

Looking Ahead

Queensland’s planning system is under pressure, but it is clear that governments are working to adapt, streamline, and innovate in response. The reforms and reviews underway offer opportunities to deliver housing more efficiently, while maintaining quality and liveability outcomes for communities.

How Willowtree Can Help

At Willowtree, we are deeply experienced in navigating Queensland’s evolving planning framework. We can support clients by:

• Interpreting and applying regional and state planning reforms.

• Preparing and managing applications within PDAs and council frameworks.

• Advising on opportunities under new housing models such as build-to-rent and terrace housing.

• Proactively engaging with State agencies and councils to resolve complex issues.

Our team is here to help ensure projects are well-positioned to benefit from these reforms and to deliver the housing Queensland urgently needs.