The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning has announced two fast-track approvals — for emergency housing, and community, social and affordable housing.
In a statement, the Department said emergency housing was needed following a natural disaster, while eligible community housing providers would now be able to request an Infrastructure Designation to streamline development approvals.
Minister for Planning, Steven Miles said temporary emergency housing would now be able to be delivered in response to an event — such as a flood emergency — without requiring a planning approval.
“Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head, it’s a basic need, and the stories of people without secure housing are heartbreaking,” Dr Miles said.
“The devastating flooding in parts of South-East Queensland in February and March left thousands of people without a suitable roof over their heads and these changes will give faster access to emergency accommodation during a crisis such as that.”
He said the changes for community, social and affordable housing would also help different but still urgent housing challenges.
“Community housing providers do a great job supporting many Queenslanders who are doing it tough, so it just makes sense for these providers to use the same approvals process as public housing when building new community housing projects,” the Minister said.
“Currently, new public housing developed by the State can follow an Infrastructure Designation process which streamlines development approvals, so we are changing the planning rules to allow social or affordable housing projects by community housing providers, that meet the criteria, to also be eligible for an Infrastructure Designation.”
He said the change would result in faster development of social and affordable housing projects across the State.
More information is available from the Planning Department at this PS News link.
